A preliminary autopsy over the weekend led Nashville police to conclude that college student Riley Strain’s death was an accident. Authorities had earlier stated that there were no signs of foul play as they searched for Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri senior who had been missing in Tennessee’s capital for over two weeks, until they discovered his body in the Cumberland River early Friday morning.
According to a spokesperson from the Metro Nashville Police Department, Kris Mumford, a detective was present at the autopsy of Strain. Mumford stated that Strain’s death still appears to be accidental and there is no evidence of foul play. Although toxicology results are still pending, a final autopsy report will only be available once all testing is completed.
On Friday, police confirmed that Strain’s lifeless body was discovered in the Cumberland River, approximately 8 miles west of downtown Nashville. Authorities have stated that foul play is not believed to be a factor in his death.
During a news conference, Chief John Drake of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department stated that it is highly probable that Strain fell into the river. He emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest any other scenario. Chief Drake also mentioned that Strain was discovered with all his belongings, including clothes, watch, and other identifying items. Furthermore, the police confirmed that there were no signs of foul play-related injuries on the body.
According to the police, Strain was last seen on the night of March 8 after having drinks at Luke’s 32 Bridge, a popular downtown bar. The bar’s management company confirmed that Strain had ordered one alcoholic drink and two waters. At around 10 p.m., he was asked to leave and was escorted out of the establishment. One of Strain’s friends who had arrived at the bar with him also left but later returned inside.
In a message to the student body, University of Missouri officials later revealed that Strain had journeyed to Nashville to attend his fraternity’s spring formal event.
A large-scale search ensued as investigators desperately tried to locate him, armed with only a few minor leads. Along a riverbank, searchers discovered his bank card, and investigators meticulously scoured surveillance footage in an attempt to trace his last known whereabouts. This collaborative effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies and dedicated community volunteers, who had recently concentrated their search on the extensive Cumberland River waterways. However, it was employees at a river company who made the heartbreaking discovery of Strain’s body early on Friday morning, just before 7 a.m.
According to Drake, the authorities discovered an object in the river and upon further inspection, they noticed Mr. Strain. They promptly reported the finding. The police chief explained that the officers had intended to search the specific stretch of the river where Strain’s body was eventually found on Friday. This decision was based on the belief that Strain’s height and weight made it likely for his body to emerge in that vicinity soon.
