Foul Play Suspected In Woman's Death At UGA's Intramural Fields

ATHENS, GA — Foul play is suspected after a woman was found dead Thursday in a wooded area at the University of Georgia's Intramural Fields, university officials said in a news release.

The woman, who was not identified, was reported missing by someone who said their friend had gone for an early morning run at the fields and did not return home as expected, officials said earlier in the day.

UGA Police were alerted around noon and conducted a welfare check. Officials said officers found the woman around 12:30 p.m., and she was unconscious in a forest behind Lake Herrick.

The woman had visible injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel, officials said.

Foul play is suspected in her death. The cause and manner of death are unknown. A suspect had not been taken into custody as of early Thursday night.

"We have been fully briefed on this terrible situation. ... We want to assure you that the safety and welfare of our campus community is our top concern," UGA officials said.

UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark told media outlets the woman was a student, but not at UGA, per an 11Alive report. It is unknown which school the woman attended.

The outlet reported cars in the university's parking garage and a wood line behind the parking deck were being searched in the evening hours.

All classes after 5:30 p.m. Thursday were canceled and will remain canceled until Monday, when classes will resume, officials said.

UGA Police are investigating the case along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Clark told media a homicide has not happened on UGA's campus in at least the past 20 years, 11Alive reported.

The woman's death comes after a UGA student died Wednesday night in Brumby Hall, officials said. It is unknown how the UGA student died.

"And as we continue to mourn that tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, particularly our students," UGA officials said.

Officials requested that people avoid the area and call police, (706) 542-2200, if they have information regarding the case.

Around-the-clock counseling and psychiatric services are available, and students may visit Student Care and Outreach if they "need help processing their feelings at this time," officials said.

"In addition, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to download and use the UGA Safe app, which offers several important safety features, including emergency notification alerts and the ability to share location in real-time with the police, among others. We also recommend that you travel in groups when possible and be aware of your surroundings," officials said.

The circulation desks at campus libraries will close at midnight Thursday, while buses will operate as normal through the week, UGA tweeted.

Dining services will also operate on their regular hours through the weekend, officials said.

The campus health center tweeted it will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

"When it comes to your health and well-being, we want you to know there are resources to help, any time, any place," the health center said.