Riley Strain's disappearance, death in Nashville: What we know one year later
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One year after his initial disappearance, the untimely death of 22-year-old Missouri student Riley Strain is still on the minds of many in his home state and Nashville, where his accidental death prompted officials to take action to make the city safer.

The college student went missing while out drinking with frat brothers in March of 2024, leading to a two-week search. His body was ultimately found in the Cumberland River and his death was ruled an accident as a result of intoxication and drowning.

A month after Strain's disappearance, officials announced the implementation of a budget with $1.5 million in funding to secure the riverfront in December. The metro council approved the bill later that month and a more detailed plan is expected to arrive this spring.

Still, the case that drew national headlines is fresh in the hearts of many. Here's what we know a year later.

### Who was Riley Strain?

Riley Strain was a 22-year-old University of Missouri student and member of the Delta Chi fraternity.

Strain went missing on March 8, 2024, after being kicked out of Luke's 32 Bridge Food and Drink Nashville's Lower Broadway while vacationing with fraternity brothers. He was last seen on Gay Street shortly before 10 p.m. The bar was later investigated for potentially overserving Strain, but was cleared.

On Sunday, March 17, police discovered Strain's bank card near the Cumberland River, and the investigation into his disappearance began the following day. Police released security camera video, bodycam footage, and boats and sonar equipment in the Cumberland River, and a GoFundMe to help the family in the search.

### What happened after Riley Strain was found?

On Monday, March 11, police launched a full-scale search mission, releasing surveillance cameras, boats, and sonar equipment in the Cumberland River, and a GoFundMe to help the family in the search.

A police officer, who was last seen near the Cumberland River, contacted his superior and mentioned Strain's disappearance. He instructed him to call the police station. The police station took the call, but did not provide further updates.

By Friday, March 22, Strain's body was found in the river in West Nashville, approximately eight miles from downtown. The Davidson County Medical Examiner's Office declared his death an accident from drowning and ethanol intoxication. Strain's blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.

A candlelight video was posted by Strain's family on the same day. They thanked them for their support and thanked them to "take our boy home." They also condemned the lack of response to the emotional distress of the family.

### What happened after Riley Strain died?

Communities in Nashville and Missouri mourned the loss of Strain, with Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell calling for safety measures.

O'Connell said he would review the riverfront with the Nashville Department of Transportation. District 19 Council member Jacob Kupin, who represents downtown, also said he had been working to secure the area where Strain fell into the river.

While the Mayor did not unveil a specific safety plan, he mentioned that Metro officials are reviewing the safety measures and implementing them as soon as possible.

In late March 2024, Strain's family sought a second autopsy. The decision to do so was driven by the emotional distress of the family and their concerns about the cause of Strain's death.

### What does the death of Riley Strain mean?

The death of Riley Strain has been attributed to an overdose, likely due to excessive alcohol consumption. The medical examiner also determined that the cause of death was drowning from intoxication.

Strain's family expressed their frustration with the delay in the autopsy and their concerns about the lack of transparency in the investigation.

### What is next for Riley Strain?

Strain's family is scheduled to hold a vigil on Saturday, March 22, in downtown Nashville. They also plan to send a letter to the Nashville City Council about how to improve safety along the waterfront.

The Davidson County Health Department also plans to conduct a review of the riverfront to identify any safety gaps.

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