ATLANTA -- Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the tragic death of Mrs. Jennifer Ewing, a cyclist reported missing from the Silver Comet Trail on Tuesday, July 25:

"Mary and I offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Ewing family. Through her husband Jim, Jennifer was a part of the Team Georgia family. Jim is a valuable member of the team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and has been a public servant for the state for more than two decades. Jim works tirelessly to recruit businesses and industries to Georgia, overseeing major economic development projects, such as our recent contract with Kia Motors.

I'm very proud of Georgia's professional law enforcement personnel who apprehended a suspect already. I'm also proud that Georgia has some of the toughest penalties for convicted violent sex offenders in the United States.

Everything that has been reported about this case suggests that Jennifer Ewing's horrific experience was an unusual act of violence on an otherwise safe and popular exercise trail. While it is important that we remain vigilant and sharply aware of our surroundings, it is my sincere hope that this tragic situation will not cause citizens to refrain from enjoying the wonderful outdoor assets, like the Silver Comet Trail, that Georgia has to offer.

I ask that all Georgians join Mary and me in keeping the Ewing family in our thoughts and prayers as they begin the difficult road to recovery after yesterday's heart wrenching news."