Body of missing college student Riley Strain found in river, police say

NASHVILLE (WSMV/Gray News) – The two-week search for missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain ended after authorities pulled the 22-year-old’s body from the Cumberland River Friday morning.

Strain’s body, found eight miles downriver from where he was last seen, was still wearing the T-shirt he was wearing when he disappeared on March 8 after being ejected from the Luke’s 32 Bridge in downtown Nashville, according to the Department’s chief. of Metro Nashville Police, John. Duck. Authorities do not suspect foul play in his disappearance or death, Drake said just hours after the 22-year-old was found dead.

Strain’s body was first found to authorities by barge operators near the river. Drake said workers were working to remove an object from the river when they saw the body.

“They noticed what appeared to be Riley Strain appear,” Drake said, adding that the Nashville Fire Department responded and pulled the body from the river. “The medical examiner’s office reviewed the body and we confirmed that it is Riley Strain.”

Strain’s body was found after a two-week exhaustive search by air, boat and foot that included the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the Nashville Fire Department, the Nashville Office of Emergency Management, the Nashville Sheriff’s Office. Cheatham County, the United Cajun Navy and countless volunteers who participated in the search.

Strain’s disappearance garnered national and social media attention, leading to much unfounded speculation about the circumstances of his disappearance and death. A TikToker who found Strain’s bank card on the banks of the Cumberland River further fanned the flames of speculation.

From the beginning, authorities emphasized that there was no evidence to support accusations of foul play. The police department was inundated with tips about the possibility of foul play in the case, but none of those investigated turned up any leads, the sergeant said. Robert Nielsen said.

Videos released by businesses and police show Strain tripping and falling around Nashville after being kicked out of the bar. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched an investigation to determine whether Strain was served excessive alcohol on the night of his disappearance. Luke’s 32 Bridge claims that Strain was served only one alcoholic beverage and two waters while he was at the bar.

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has worked with local authorities to determine where else he was served alcohol that night.

“All licensed establishments questioned have been cooperative,” an agency spokesperson said. “The final report will be made public once the investigation is closed.”

Drake said Strain’s family has been notified of his recovery.

Copyright 2024 WSMV through Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.