No foul play suspected after college student Riley Strain’s body is found in a Nashville river, police say

The body of a University of Missouri student, Riley Strain, who had gone missing after leaving a bar in downtown Nashville two weeks ago, was discovered in the Cumberland River on Friday.

The police confirmed that there were no signs of foul play involved in his death. Strain, 22, was on a weekend trip to Nashville when he was asked to leave Luke's 32 Bridge, a bar owned by country singer Luke Bryan, on March 8. Despite efforts by his friends, family, and the police to locate him, Strain remained unreachable. The Metro Nashville Police Department Police Chief, John Drake, announced on Friday that Strain's body was found by a worker in the area around 7:30 a.m. local time. Chief Drake stated that there was no evidence to suggest anything other than Strain falling into the river.

The University of Missouri President, Mun Choi, released a statement informing students and staff that Strain's body had been found and counseling and support services were available. The medical examiner's office confirmed the identity of the body as that of Strain.

The recovery took place approximately 8 miles from downtown Nashville. Chief Drake mentioned that they had planned to search the area where the body was found on Friday morning and that they were in the right spot based on reports about Strain's height and weight. Strain was last seen on March 8 at 9:52 p.m. on Gay Street after drinking downtown, according to a police department social media post. The bartender at the bar he visited mentioned that he had been overserved and was trying to pay his tab. Strain's bank card was found on an embankment between Gay Street and the Cumberland River.

The police released bodycam video showing Strain's encounter with an officer on the night he disappeared, but no footage was found showing Strain away from Gay Street after 9:52 p.m. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Strain's disappearance and subsequent death is ongoing, including an investigation by the Tennessee Alcohol and Beverage Commission. Strain's family and the University of Missouri have been in touch with Nashville authorities throughout the process. Strain's mother expressed her gratitude for the prayers and support they received during the search for her son and asked other parents to hug their children tightly.