Updates
After weeks of agonizing pain and frustration from the family and friends. Since Strain was last seen on March 8, his body has finally been discover. The heart-wrenching news stating that the body of Riley Strain’s has been discover in the West Nashville River have finally broke. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has confirmed that the body found in a river in West Nashville on Friday morning is that of Riley Strain. The missing University student of Missouri. The body of Strain was recover from the Cumberland River in West Nashville, about eight miles from downtown Nashville.
According to the authorities and as the investigation unfolds, there are no evidence suggesting foul play in Riley Strain’s death. As well as there are no further evidence suggesting anything other than strain falling into the river. This is due to the fact that at the time Riley Strain’s body was discover, he was still wearing his clothes, a watch, and other identifying objects. This caused the suspicious of foul play to diminish and practically disappear.
Police has added in a statement that:
No foul play-related trauma was observed and an autopsy is pending. Riley Strain’s family has been informed.
Investigation Process
Strain was known to have gone to Nashville to attend his fraternity’s spring formal event when he disappeared. He was last spotted at around 9:52 p.m., and CCTV footage showed him alone in downtown Nashville. However, his “friends” did not report his disappearance until well after 1:30 a.m.
During the investigation, Riley Strain’s debit card was discovered along a Nashville river. As a result, the inquiry focused mostly on the area’s waterways. Officials started by focusing on the Cumberland River’s downtown region before broadening their search to include the entire river, including the Cheatham Dam, which is about 40 miles from downtown Nashville.
The investigation involved aircraft, boats, and ground personnel. Police also close down the dam to investigate debris that had floated to the surface. Workers from a company ended up discovering the body on the river just after 7 a.m.
An outcome No one Wished Upon
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake acknowledged the 200 tips they received while searching for Strain and praised the community for their great efforts. He also added that his “heart and prayers go out” to Strain’s family for their devastating loss.
Despite the outcome not being the one anyone hoped for, especially not his family. It brings some closure to know what happened to Strain and that he can finally rest in peace as his family gives him a proper burial.
Furthermore, after such devastating news and the discovery of Riley Strain’s body. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell took to social media to express the city’s commitment to enhancing safety measures. O’Connell stated on the social media post that the city would “continue to work toward improvements in safety in a variety of ways.”
United
Moreover, a fundraiser on GoFundMe for Strain’s family has also gain overwhelming support. Surpassing and raising more than $65,000 from more than 1,000 donations as of noon Friday. The fundraiser was created on March 13 five days after he was last seen and before Riley’s Strain’s body was found in the West Nashville river.
Donations came in after the announcement Friday morning from members of Strain’s fraternity, parents of University of Missouri students and Nashville residents. The outpouring of kindness from Strain’s fraternity members, University of Missouri parents, and Nashville locals exemplifies the community’s compassion and togetherness during times of tragedy, need, and support. Overall, this example demonstrates the value of watching out for and caring for one another as a city and community. It is critical for people to detect the signs that someone is in danger and, despite being a stranger, lend them a hand or at least take them to safety.
Written By Nohemi Sanchez
Sources:
CNN US: No foul play suspected after college student Riley Strain’s body is found in a Nashville river, police say
THE TENNESSEAN: Body of missing Missouri student Riley Strain found in Nashville’s Cumberland River; vigil planned
CBS News: Body of missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain found in river in West Nashville
Featured Image Courtesy of cmh2315fl Flicker Page – Creative Common License
Inset Image Courtesy of Rob Mitchell Flickr Page – Creative Common License
