University of Georgia police: Person dead with âvisible injuriesâ in woods behind Lake Herrick

The University of Georgia Police Department said Thursday it is investigating the death of an unidentified individual who was found with “visible injuries” after a friend called to report the person had not returned from a run.

The university posted a special safety update on X, previously known as Twitter, about the incident. Police received a call just after noon Thursday from a person who said they were “concerned for the welfare of a friend” who had not returned from a morning run at the intramural fields.

Officers went to the area and found a person in the woods behind Lake Herrick with “visible injuries” and immediately began rendering medical aid. Emergency responders determined the individual was deceased upon their arrival, according to the post.

Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson said he was on his way to the scene Thursday afternoon.

UGA police are investigating the incident along with the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Students and others are asked to avoid the area.

The University of Georgia did not immediately respond to questions.

This is a developing story.