WOODSTOCK, Ga. — The pastor of Laken Riley, the Augusta University nursing student who was killed near the University's intramural fields in Athens last week, released a statement on the day of her funeral.
Samer Massad, the lead pastor at Woodstock City Church, described the 22-year-old as special, smart, kind, compassionate and thoughtful in the statement.
“When the world loses someone like Laken, whose light consistently shined so bright, it seems that much darker in their absence. Laken was special. She was a gift to anyone who knew her," Massad wrote.
Massad said Riley was a loving daughter, sister and friend.
"She had a gift for making anyone she was around feel comfortable and seen. But the most special thing about Laken was her faith in Jesus. She didn’t just believe it, she lived it," Massad added. "And because of her faith, as hard as days like today are, we grieve her loss and celebrate her life with the hope that she is now in the presence of Jesus, her Savior. We will miss her dearly."
Riley's funeral is being held Friday at Woodstock City Church, where Riley and her family are beloved members. You can find details online here.
"Laken’s family is family to us, and as their church family, we here at Woodstock City Church are committed to walking alongside them and carrying this burden with them. To John, Allyson, and Lauren – we love you all so very much, and we are with you!" Massad concluded.