The track and field world was surging to the top when Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum’s death came as the hardest blow. Someone who had dedicated his life to his holy sport lost his life in a car accident. Before we could wrap our heads around that news, a college student’s death left the world mourning. Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, active on her college’s track team and an avid runner, has made headlines recently.

The woman of power lost her life after going missing on the previous day. There are speculations about it, but the real cause is still under wraps. Her loved ones have joined to commemorate Riley.

Laken Riley left the track world heartbroken

Atlanta Track Club’s X post reads, “Atlanta Track Club is heartbroken over the loss of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old student who was tragically killed while running in Athens, GA last week”. Riley, a senior nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing at Athens, had gone for a jog behind Lake Herrick but didn’t return anymore. Her roommate had reported that she hadn’t seen her since February 21. Also, the most shocking thing is, that the case, though unconfirmed, has been predicted as a homicide.

In 41 years of Atlanta University history, Riley’s case is the first. “The individual was unconscious and not breathing and had visible injuries”, said UGA Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark. While the investigation is still ongoing, let’s take a look at the life of the blooming woman, whose unforeseen death has shaken friends, family, and the nation.

Riley was a woman worthy to be inspired from

The Woodstock, Georgia native, was thriving in her career until she breathed her last at such a tender age. In 2023, she earned her UGA graduate degree, and she was also a graduate of River Ridge High School in 2020. An active member of the cross-country team, she has many accolades under her belt. The most notable was when Cherokee County School District Superintendent Brian Hightower crowned her for performances.

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Recently, in August 2023, her proud mother Allyson Phillips boasted of her white-coat ceremony pictures with the caption, “Today was a proud mamma moment!”. Sharing her achievements on social media, Riley shared a great bond with her family and siblings. Also an active part of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, her wins went beyond that of her counterparts.

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