Riley Strain, the University of Missouri student whowent missingduring a trip to Nashville two weeks ago, has been found dead, according to police.
“The body of Riley Strain was recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville this morning, approximately 8 miles from downtown,” the Metro Nashville Police Departmentsaid in a statement on X on Friday. “No foul play-related trauma was observed. An autopsy is pending.”
The Delta Chi fraternity member had traveled to Tennessee with the group for their annual formal, Chris Whiteid, Strain’s stepfather, previously told PEOPLE.
Sometime before 8 p.m. local time on the night he went missing, Strain FaceTimed his mother from a different bar, Whiteid said.
Riley Strain.Metro Nashville PD
Metro Nashville PD
Whiteid said that his family didn’t know what happened until the next daywhen they got a call from Strain’s friends.
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“I was literally getting ready to tee off on the golf course when my wife called me, and I turned around, went and loaded all my stuff off the golf cart, and told my friend that I was sorry I had to leave,” he said.
In a statement to PEOPLE on March 15, the TC Restaurant Group, which owns Bryan’s restaurant, said it provided information to assist authorities in their investigation into Strain’s disappearance.
“During Riley’s visit to Luke’s 32 Bridge, our records show he purchased and was served one alcoholic drink and two waters," their statement read. “At 9:35 p.m., our security team made a decision based on our conduct standards to escort him from the venue through our Broadway exit at the front of our building. He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs.”
“Our prayers continue to be with Riley’s friends and family during this difficult time and for his safe return,” the TC Restaurant Group added.
Whiteid told PEOPLE that they visited “every emergency room” in Nashville, hoping to find Strain.
Earlier this week, Strain’s familyvoiced frustrationwith the speed at which the investigation into his disappearance was moving.
That night,Nashville police showed the family video surveillanceof Riley walking near a bridge in an effort to help piece together his path.
source: people.com
