Riley Strain, a student from the University of Missouri who was reported missing, has been found deceased after an extensive search.
His body was discovered in the Cumberland River in Nashville, just eight miles from downtown. Riley Strain was last seen by friends after reportedly being asked to leave Luke Bryan’s restaurant and bar on March 8. The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that his body was recovered from the river on Friday morning.
The 22-year-old finance major had disappeared two weeks ago during a trip to Nashville with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers. His last known location was near a bar where he was drinking with friends.
Surveillance footage captured Strain stumbling while crossing the street, and his bank card was found near the riverbank. Despite efforts by authorities and his family, including distributing images and conducting searches, Strain’s whereabouts remained unknown.
The TC Restaurant Group, which owns the bar where Strain was last seen, provided assistance to authorities in the investigation. Strain’s stepfather expressed frustration with the speed of the search efforts.
Strain’s body was discovered exactly two weeks after he was last seen. Police Chief John Drake confirmed the tragic discovery, stating that no foul play was suspected. The cause of death will be ascertained during an upcoming autopsy.
Luke’s 32 Bridge, the bar where Strain was asked to leave, stated that he was served one drink before being escorted out. Strain’s friends reported him missing after he failed to return to their accommodations.
The last time his phone rang was around Gay Street, which runs alongside the Cumberland River. Nashville police released a video of Strain interacting with an officer on Gay Street just before his disappearance.
Investigations are still ongoing on the circumstances surrounding his death. The news of Riley Strain’s passing has shocked and saddened the community, as they come to terms with the loss of a promising young individual.
