Months after news concerning the missing of a 22-year-old college student in Georgia circulated in public spheres, media outlets have revealed the last text message Laken Riley sent to her mom. Surveillance footage of her final moments, which was captured minutes before she went missing, has also been released.
The late nursing student had sent the text at 8:55 a.m., mere moments before she went for a jog on the University of Georgia’s (UGA) campus. However, she did not hear from her again. As a result, the panicked mom sent a text, which read, “Please call me. I’m worried sick about you.” On February 22, around 12:07 p.m., one of Riley’s friends called the UGA Police Department. The friend was concerned for Riley, who had not returned from her morning run at the IM Fields that same day. Responding immediately, officers began their search at approximately 12:20 p.m. They located Riley in the woods behind Lake Herrick shortly after. She was unconscious and had visible wounds on her bo:d:y. Officers administered medical aid, however, emergency medical responders determined she was dead upon their arrival. After hearing about Riley’s passing, a few of her loved ones dedicated online tributes in her honor. A tearjerking Instagram message came from the sister of the late student, who attended the University of Georgia (UGA) through Spring Semester 2023 before transferring to the Augusta University College of Nursing program at Athens.
“The best sister and my built in [sic] best friend from the very first second. This isn’t fair and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on,” penned Riley’s heartbroken sister, Lauren Phillips. Magana also penned a tribute to Riley on her Instagram account. She shared a carousel of images showing sweet memories the two friends shared. In her lengthy caption, she highlighted how much Riley, who she called her “best friend,” meant to her.
