NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TCD) — Officials recently found the body of 22-year-old University of Missouri student Riley Strain, who went missing earlier this month after getting kicked out of a downtown Nashville bar.
According to Metropolitan Nashville Police, Strain’s remains were recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville on Friday, March 22. In a news conference posted by WKRN-TV, Nashville Police Chief John Drake said officers received a call from a worker searching the water for Strain. While removing an object, the worker reportedly noticed the victim’s body and alerted law enforcement.
Drake said investigators positively identified the victim as Strain, noting that he was wearing the same shirt and watch he had on when he went missing. Police did not see any apparent signs of foul play-related trauma, but the autopsy results are still pending.
Drake also said Strain’s family has been notified of the discovery.
Strain first went missing on March 8 while he was on a fraternity trip in Nashville, WKRN reports. The next morning, one of his friends called police after they were unable to reach or locate him.
According to WKRN-TV, Strain was at Luke Bryan’s bar but was kicked out. Surveillance video footage from a nearby business reportedly caught Strain stumble down to the ground, get up, and continue walking.
Police released additional footage, showing Strain’s interaction with a police officer on Gay Street, south of the Woodland Street Bridge on the night of March 8. Officers said Strain “did not appear distressed.”
Investigators reportedly learned Strain’s last phone ping was near James Robertson Parkway and Gay Street. According to WKRN, days after his disappearance, two TikTokers discovered Strain’s bank card on the riverbank.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has also reportedly launched an investigation to determine if Strain was served too much alcohol on the night he went missing.
According to WKRN, the company that owns Luke’s Bryan’s bar said Strain was served a single alcoholic beverage and two waters before being asked to leave the establishment.
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