Riley Strain Update: Body of Missing Missouri Student Found in River: 'No Signs of Foul Play’
The body of the missing Missouri student, Riley Strain, 22, was found in the Cumberland River after disappearing from a downtown Nashville bar two weeks earlier.
Authorities confirmed no foul play was suspected.
Strain's family reported to WKRN-TV that his cell phone was traced to an area near the bar, prompting police to release surveillance footage of him stumbling across a street.
Additional footage from Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop showed Strain running down another street before falling.
Police, with the aid of an MNPD helicopter and detectives, conducted a search in the vicinity.
The TC Restaurant Group, which owns Luke's 32 Bridge, disclosed to PEOPLE magazine on March 15 that they cooperated with authorities in the investigation.
According to their statement, Strain had purchased one alcoholic drink and two glasses of water during his visit.
Security escorted him out of the venue around 9:35 PM, with one member of his group following him downstairs.
However, that individual did not exit and returned upstairs.
This information adds to the ongoing efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding Strain's disappearance.
Despite efforts by family and friends to reach him and police searches, Strain remained unaccounted for.
Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake announced Strain's body was discovered at approximately 7:30 AM local time by a worker in the area.
Drake emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting anything other than Strain falling into the river, according to CNN.
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Riley Strain Was in Nashville for His Fraternity's Spring Formal
The missing Missouri student went to Nashville for his fraternity's spring formal.
The river, flowing through downtown Nashville and into Kentucky, became a focal point after Strain went missing.
Police are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of his death.
Boats with sonar were deployed in the search for Strain before his body was found.
He had visited various spots in downtown Nashville before disappearing.
During the second week of the search, authorities found Strain's bank card near the river.
Body camera footage, released later, showed a brief encounter between Strain and a Metro police officer on the day he vanished.
A family friend revealed that Strain's last communication was a text message to a woman he was conversing with, USA Today reports.
The investigation into Strain's disappearance and death continues, with the community mourning his loss.
The Family Thanks the Community for Support in the Search for Riley Strain
During a press conference, the missing Missouri student, Riley Strain's parents and stepfather, expressed gratitude to the Nashville community for helping in the search.
Ryan Gilbert thanked the MNPD for their tireless efforts and appreciated volunteers who distributed flyers and made calls, The Tennessean noted.
He also thanked friends and family in Missouri for their support. Gilbert acknowledged the overwhelming emotions of the situation and praised Nashville for its support during difficult times.
Michelle Whiteid tearfully urged mothers to hug their children tightly.
"I ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please," she said. "Please, for me. Hug your babies tight tonight."
The family's heartfelt thanks and emotional appeal underscored the community's unity and support during the search for Strain.
READ MORE: Riley Strain's Last Location Caught on Camera
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: Body of missing University of Missouri student found in Nashville - From Fox 32 Chicago
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