Almost a week has passed since the deaths of two students at the University of Georgia shook the student body.
Laken Riley, a 22-year-old former UGA student who had transferred to Augusta University’s Athens nursing program, was attacked and killed while jogging near the university’s Intramural Fields on Feb. 22. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and remained active in the UGA community after transferring.
Wyatt Banks died by suicide at UGA’s Brumby Hall on Feb. 21, UGA confirmed in a letter to students. The 19-year-old freshman was enrolled in the Terry College of Business, the UGA School of Public and International Affairs and the Morehead Honors College. He was also a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
As a tribute to them, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and Kappa Sigma fraternity held a vigil at Tate Plaza on Feb. 26 with thousands of people present. The organizations handed out red and green ribbons to the crowd, reflective of their official colors. To provide support, representatives from UGA’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services had set up tables nearby for anyone in need. As a part of the ceremony, a few students who knew Riley and Banks shared their sentiments on stage.
Chloe Mullis, president of Alpha Chi Omega, remarked that the campus has lost one of its brightest lights, and that the sisterhood will not be the same without Riley. She encouraged audience members to be kind, catch up with friends and strive to be the kind of person Riley was.
“Laken showed incredible wisdom throughout her friendships,” Mullis said. “Whether it was nursing school, being the Alpha Chi banner chair or the incredible runner that she was, Laken showed devotion throughout every avenue of her life.”
Nick Nichols, a close friend of Banks’, said he was a constant spreader of positivity and a hardworking student. Nichols urges anyone who is quietly suffering to speak out, because there is always someone who will listen.
“Wyatt never hesitated when he noticed others in need, and always made those around him feel safe and welcomed in his presence,” Nichols said. “I and many others will forever wish that we had noticed his pain.”
The recent tragedies have left students and community members emotional, igniting discussions about campus security and mental health. Trey Manning, a third-year psychology student and resident assistant at Russell hall said that Bank’s suicide incident has been heavy on his mind, working in a dorm so close to Brumby. Manning also believes that more steps can be taken to ensure personal safety around campus.
“UGA’s campus is safer than others, but I think safety can definitely be improved right now.” Manning said.
Others have echoed the same idea. A petition calling for the installment of emergency blue lights on campus has made national headlines with over 25,000 signatures. It suggests that enhanced lighting systems would improve safety conditions for everyone, especially female students who walk around campus at night.
In response, President Jere W. Morehead, alongside other UGA officials, sent out a statement on Tuesday afternoon outlining new security efforts that total more than $7.3 million. These measures include a 20% increase to the university’s police department budget, additional security cameras, lighting upgrades, new license plate readers and the installation of blue-light call boxes combined with cameras. The RideSmart program, which offers a 50% discount on Lyft rides for UGA students will now be extended four hours per day, operating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. New perimeter fencing will be built in several areas and nearly 400 lights on campus will be converted to LED technology. These efforts amount to a total investment of $23 million in safety and security enhancements.
While such efforts may bring a sense of relief to some, countless hearts remain heavy as the UGA and Athens community continue to grieve. In the words of UGA’s Panhellenic Council president, Dabney Duncan, “Not one more dawg… Although we all long for more time with both Wyatt and Laken, we find peace in the light they brought into our lives.”
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