NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The body of Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student who went missing earlier this month, was discovered in the Cumberland River in West Nashville on Friday, authorities announced. The 22-year-old student had been visiting Nashville with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers when he disappeared after leaving a popular country bar on March 8.
Strain’s body was found near 61st Avenue North around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police. While no foul play is suspected, an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Surveillance video footage showed Strain walking away from the bar in the opposite direction of his hotel shortly after being escorted out for what the bar called a violation of its “conduct standards.” The bar’s security team observed Strain’s behavior and removed him from Luke’s 32 Bridge at around 9:35 p.m. on the night he went missing.
Authorities stated that Strain appeared to be in good condition during a brief interaction with a police officer investigating a reported vehicle burglary in the area. However, further details about Strain’s movements after leaving the officer’s presence remain unknown.
The discovery of Strain’s bank card on the riverbank by two TikTok users who were livestreaming their search efforts prompted a renewed search in the area. His bank card had not been used since he went missing, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The disappearance of Riley Strain has left friends and family searching for answers. Strain’s fraternity brother revealed that he sent a cryptic text message to a love interest before vanishing. The message, which said “Good lops,” has perplexed those close to him, adding to the mystery surrounding his final moments.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the case, hoping to uncover more information about what transpired on the night of Strain’s disappearance. The autopsy results are expected to shed light on the cause of death, providing some closure for Strain’s loved ones.