The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has confirmed that the body discovered in a river in West Nashville on Friday morning belongs to missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain. According to police reports shared on social media, Strain’s body was found in the Cumberland River in West Nashville, approximately eight miles from downtown.
During a news conference, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake stated, “There is no other evidence that suggests anything other than” Strain falling into the river. He further noted that Strain still had his clothes, watch, and other personal belongings with him.
Authorities emphasized that no signs of foul play were evident, and an autopsy is pending. Strain’s family has been notified of the tragic discovery, Drake confirmed.
Strain, aged 22, went missing during a fraternity trip to Nashville. He was last seen on March 8, shortly after being escorted out of Luke’s 32 Bridge, a bar owned by country artist Luke Bryan. Records from the bar indicate that he ordered one alcoholic beverage along with two glasses of water.
Surveillance footage captured Strain walking alone in downtown Nashville, with his last sighting recorded around 9:52 p.m. His friends, who were with him earlier, 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.
Recent efforts in the search for Strain have concentrated on local waterways following the discovery of his debit card along a river in Nashville. Initially focused on the downtown section of the Cumberland River, the search expanded to include a broader area, including the Cheatham Dam, located approximately 40 miles from downtown Nashville.
Helicopters, boats, and ground crews have been employed in the search, with police closing down the dam to inspect floating debris, as reported by CBS affiliate WTVF. Strain’s body was discovered by workers at a company along the river shortly after 7 a.m., according to Drake.
“They retrieved an object from the river, and while moving it, they noticed Mr. Strain and promptly alerted authorities,” stated Drake. The police chief mentioned that officers had intended to search this particular area of the river today, as it was believed that due to Strain’s height and weight, his body might resurface in that vicinity soon.
Drake revealed that the police department had received over 200 tips during the search for Strain, expressing gratitude to the community for their collaborative efforts. He extended his condolences, stating, “My heart and prayers go out to Strain’s family.”
The Cumberland River, spanning over 680 miles across Kentucky and Tennessee, is a significant waterway with several dams along its course.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has collaborated with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office to carry out downriver operations. Additionally, the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster relief organization, has been actively involved in the search efforts.