Riley Strain, the missing University of Missouri student, was discovered in the river west of Nashville.

 

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has confirmed that the body discovered in the Cumberland River in West Nashville on Friday morning is indeed that of Riley Strain, the missing University of Missouri student.

According to police reports shared via social media, Strain's body was retrieved from the Cumberland River in West Nashville, approximately eight miles away from downtown.

During a news conference, Chief John Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department stated that there is no evidence suggesting anything other than Strain accidentally falling into the river. Notably, Strain was found fully clothed and with his personal belongings, including his watch, still in his possession.

Authorities clarified that no signs of trauma related to foul play were detected, and an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death. Chief Drake assured that Strain's family has been notified of the developments.

Strain, aged 22, went missing during a fraternity trip to Nashville. He was last seen on March 8, shortly after being ejected from Luke's 32 Bridge, a bar owned by country singer Luke Bryan. Surveillance footage captured Strain walking alone in downtown Nashville around 9:52 p.m. His friends reported him missing just after 1:30 a.m.

Following the discovery of Strain's debit card along a river in Nashville, the search efforts shifted towards area waterways. The search initially focused on the downtown section of the Cumberland River before expanding to include other areas, such as the Cheatham Dam, approximately 40 miles from downtown. Various search methods, including helicopters, boats, and ground crews, were employed. Police also closed the dam to inspect surfaced debris, as reported by CBS affiliate WTVF.

Strain's body was found by workers at a riverfront company shortly after 7 a.m., according to Chief Drake. He explained that the location coincided with planned search efforts, anticipating Strain's body might surface in that area due to his height and weight.

Throughout the search, the police department received over 200 tips, and Chief Drake expressed gratitude to the community for their assistance. He conveyed condolences to Strain's family, acknowledging the difficult time they are enduring.

The Cumberland River, spanning over 680 miles through Kentucky and Tennessee, is a significant waterway dotted with multiple dams. Collaborating with the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office and aided by the United Cajun Navy, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department conducted downriver operations.

In response to the tragic discovery, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell pledged continued efforts to enhance safety measures across the city, expressing sorrow over the outcome.

Strain's parents have been in Nashville since the onset of the search. Chris Whiteid, Strain's stepfather, disclosed to ABC News the family's grim acknowledgment of the situation, urging empathy from the public.