After nearly two weeks of intensive search efforts, authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, announced on Friday, March 22, 2024, that the body of missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain has been found in the Cumberland River. Police confirmed that there were no signs of foul play in his death.
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The discovery was made around 7:30 a.m. local time by workers on the river, approximately 8 miles west of downtown Nashville. Police Chief John Drake informed the press that medical examiners later confirmed the identity of the recovered body to be that of Strain.
“We have reports that normally under these circumstances … with his height and weight, he could have surfaced between 14 and 20 days,” Chief Drake stated. “This is the 14th day. So we were really expecting to find him.”
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Strain, 22, was last seen on the night of March 8 after a night out in downtown Nashville. Initial search efforts were launched promptly, with investigators utilizing available clues such as finding his bank card along a riverbank and analyzing surveillance footage to piece together his final movements.
University of Missouri officials revealed that Strain was traveling to Nashville to attend a private event at the time of his disappearance.
During a briefing to reporters in Nashville, members of Strain’s family expressed their gratitude for the community’s support during the search.
“I just ask that you mommas out there, hug your babies tight tonight please,” said Strain’s mother, Michelle Whiteid, tearfully. “Please, for me, just hug your babies tight tonight. And again, thank you. Thank you for sharing our story.”
Chief Drake extended his condolences to the family, describing the incident as “very unfortunate and tragic.”
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