The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has confirmed that the body found in a river in West Nashville on Friday morning is indeed that of Riley Strain, the University of Missouri student who had been reported missing.
The police announced on social media that they had found Strain’s body in 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 confirmed that there is no indication of any other circumstance besides Strain falling into the river. Chief Drake highlighted that Strain was found with all his belongings intact, including his clothes, watch, and other personal items, further supporting the conclusion.
According to authorities, there were no signs of any injuries or suspicious circumstances surrounding Strain’s death. The police have notified Strain’s family, and an autopsy is currently awaiting further investigation.
Strain was captured on surveillance video walking alone in downtown Nashville. His last known sighting was at approximately 9:52 p.m. Concerned about his whereabouts, his friends reported him missing shortly after 1:30 a.m.
The University of Missouri informed its student body that Strain had traveled to Nashville to attend his fraternity’s spring formal event.
The search for Strain has shifted its focus to area waterways following the discovery of his debit card along a river in Nashville. Initially, authorities concentrated their efforts on the downtown section of Cumberland River. However, the search has now expanded to cover a larger stretch of the river, including the Cheatham Dam located approximately 40 miles from downtown Nashville. Helicopters, boats, and ground crews have been deployed in the search operation. Additionally, law enforcement closed off access to the dam to inspect any debris that surfaced. According to CBS affiliate WTVF, these measures have been taken to aid in the search for Strain.
While moving an object from the river, they made a startling discovery – Mr. Strain’s presence. Promptly, they reported it to the authorities,” Drake explained. The police chief noted that the search operation in this particular section of the river had already been scheduled for today. Due to Mr. Strain’s height and weight, it was anticipated that his body might resurface in this vicinity in the near future.
Drake expressed his gratitude to the community for their efforts in searching for Strain, stating that the police department had received more than 200 tips during the search. He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences and prayers to Strain’s family.
The Cumberland River, stretching over 680 miles through Kentucky and Tennessee, is a significant waterway. Along its course, numerous dams can be found.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office have collaborated in conducting downriver operations. Joining them in the search effort is the United Cajun Navy, a dedicated volunteer disaster relief organization.
After discovering Strain’s body, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell took to social media to express his commitment to enhancing safety in the city. He emphasized that the city will persistently strive for improvements in safety through various measures.
O’Connell expressed that this was not the desired outcome, particularly for his parents and all those who cared for him deeply.
The University of Missouri made it clear that they had resources in place to support students and staff who were impacted by Strain’s death and disappearance.
The school expressed its condolences to the Mizzou community as they grieve the loss of Riley, and extended their thoughts and support to his family.
