The nearly two-week-long search for Riley Strain, a 22-year-old senior from the University of Missouri (Mizzou), came to a close Friday morning, March 22, 2024, when workers spotted his body in the Cumberland River in West Nashville, Tennessee, according to Nashville police.
Strain, who had been missing since March 8, attended a fraternity formal with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers in Nashville. According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, companions last saw Strain on March 8 at Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Luke Bryan’s dining and entertainment venue, on Broadway. The TC Restaurant Group, which operates that bar, stated that Strain was asked to vacate the premises.
According to the group, “Riley was provided one alcoholic beverage and two drinks of water during his time at Luke’s 32 Bridge. At 9:35 p.m., he was escorted outside by our security, per our behavioral standards, through the main Broadway exit. He was accompanied down the stairs and out by an associate, who then returned.”
Police Chief John Drake informed reporters that there were no signs of foul play or trauma on Strain’s body, pointing to an accidental fall into the river as the likely cause of his death. An autopsy is pending to determine the exact cause of death.
Strain, a beloved family member and student, embarked on a trip to Nashville with friends for their fraternity’s formal event. His disappearance sparked a massive search effort that saw local authorities, volunteers, and the United Cajun Navy combing through the area by foot, drone, and boat.
Despite the deployment of substantial resources, including surveillance footage analysis and tracking movements through police body cameras, Strain’s whereabouts remained a mystery until the discovery.
On the night of his disappearance, Strain maintained contact with his family, sharing a FaceTime call with his mother, during which he did not appear intoxicated, according to his stepfather, Chris Whiteid. The family continued to exchange texts after the call, with the last message from Strain reading, “I love you.” This message added to the confusion and concern when he suddenly went missing.
Authorities and volunteers discovered Strain’s bank card along a river bank, one of the few clues leading to the eventual finding of his body about eight miles west of downtown Nashville. The search included areas around Cheatham Dam, about 40 miles from where Strain was last seen, reflecting the extensive efforts to locate him.
Strain’s disappearance and the subsequent search deeply affected his family, friends, and fraternity brothers, leading to an outpouring of support and assistance in the search. At a media briefing, Strain’s family extended their gratitude to all the individuals who played a role in the extensive search that spanned a fortnight for Strain. His stepfather recounted the ordeal as “an emotional whirlwind” for the family.
“We’re deeply appreciative for all that’s been done for our family,” Whiteid remarked. “The kindness extended to us holds great significance, far beyond what you may comprehend.”
Michelle Whiteid, Strain’s mother, thanked those who contributed to finding her son. “I implore every mother listening to embrace their children tightly tonight, for my sake,” she implored.
Ryan Gilbert, Strain’s father, also thanked the officers and the US Cajun Navy for their dedication to the case. “Their efforts on our behalf have been extraordinary,” he added.
Strain’s fraternity, Delta Chi, and the University of Missouri issued statements on his passing. The fraternity said, “Our hearts are with Riley’s family and friends as we provide assistance and resources during this period of immense sorrow.”
The university conveyed, “As the Mizzou community grieves for Riley, we keep his family in our thoughts and stand ready to support them.” Authorities have currently suggested that Strain’s passing was an accident without signs of “foul play-related trauma,” and detectives are awaiting the results of the toxicology reports, as reported by local media outlets.