The University of Georgia is grappling with a profound tragedy as the campus mourns the recent death of a nursing student from Augusta University. The incident, which is under investigation by the University of Georgia Police Department, has left the community shocked and grieving. Here’s what we know so far.
UGA Brumby Hall UGA Student Death
On February 22, the UGA Police Department received a call from a concerned individual at approximately 12:07 p.m. The caller reported their friend, a nursing student from Augusta University, had gone for a run near the Intramural Fields earlier in the day and had not returned as expected.
The police responded promptly, initiating a search that led to the discovery of the individual at around 12:38 p.m. in the forested area behind Lake Herrick.
The victim was found unconscious, not breathing, and with visible injuries. Despite the immediate response from emergency medical responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.
Student Dies by Suicide in Brumby Hall
UGA Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark provided details during a press conference, revealing that the victim was not a University of Georgia student but attended another institution. Chief Clark refrained from disclosing further details about the victim’s identity.
In response to the incident, university officials released a statement expressing their deep concern: “Foul play is suspected, and we are already receiving support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate this crime. We want to assure you that the safety and welfare of our campus community is our top concern.”
The ongoing investigation involves collaboration with external agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. As of now, there have been no arrests or identified suspects, and Chief Clark emphasized that there is no immediate danger to the community.
Campus Response and Support
The Augusta University nursing student found dead at UGA has prompted a response from Dr. Brooks A. Keel, the president of Augusta University. Dr. Keel expressed deep sorrow in a statement, indicating that counseling assistance is available 24/7 for all students and employees.
For College of Nursing students, faculty, and staff in Athens, counselors will be available on-site starting at 8 a.m. Support services extend to the Augusta campus as well. Classes at the College of Nursing campus in Athens were canceled on the day following the incident, emphasizing the need for care and counseling for those affected.
Tragic Coincidence
The discovery of the deceased nursing student follows a separate tragedy on the UGA campus, where a student died by suicide in Brumby Hall the night before. While both incidents are deeply distressing, authorities have confirmed that the suicide and the subsequent death are unrelated.
“The past 24 hours have been a traumatic time for our University,” the university acknowledged in a statement. Classes on the Athens campus were canceled, and the campus community is encouraged to seek grief support and assistance from Student Care and Outreach and Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Campus Safety Measures
As the investigations unfold, Chief Clark assured the community that every effort is being made to determine the cause and manner of death. Security measures, including a thorough review of campus security cameras, are being employed to gather any possible leads.
Lake Herrick, where the body was found, is located close to the Intramural Fields, prompting authorities to ask the public to avoid the area during the active investigation. The cooperation between the UGA Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Athens-Clarke County Police Department underscores the seriousness of the situation.
As the campus community navigates this challenging time, the university remains committed to providing support and resources for those affected by these heartbreaking incidents.