Authorities made a significant discovery in the investigation of Riley Strain, the University of Missouri college student who went missing during her visit to Nashville.
Nashville Police made an announcement on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that Strain’s bank card had been discovered on Sunday along the embankment between Gay Street and the Cumberland River, near Riverfront Park. The authorities also stated that the search for him is still ongoing.
Strain disappeared during his visit to Nashville on Friday, March 8. According to the Nashville police, he was ejected from a bar located on Gay Street in the city’s Broadway area.
According to police, the 22-year-old was last seen by his friends at 9:52 p.m. after he was ejected from Luke Bryan’s bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge.
According to Strain’s parents, Strain and his Delta Chi fraternity brothers were in Nashville for a formal event.
Michelle Whiteid, the mother of the young man, expressed her excitement as she received pictures from her son while he was out with his fraternity brothers at various bars. She shared that he was having a great time and enjoying himself.
At 9:46 p.m., a surveillance video captured the 22-year-old walking alone on a street, visibly stumbling. Another angle on the footage revealed Strain running before ultimately tripping and falling.
According to Nashville Police Sgt. Robert Nielsen, there is no evidence of foul play or any indication that Strain was involved in a fight or argument with anyone on the night in question.
According to Nielsen, Strain’s final captured moments on surveillance footage depict him strolling alone in a northward direction, precisely between the James Robertson Bridge and Woodland Street Bridge.
Authorities are conducting an extensive search on foot, by drone, and by boat, utilizing specialized boats equipped with sonar equipment, according to Nielsen.
Ryan Gilbert, the father of Strain, expressed his concern for his son’s safety, stating, “He’s a good kid. He was down here looking forward to a fun weekend. We want to bring him back home safe.”
Strain’s parents and stepparents have been in Nashville for days, providing assistance in the search.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is currently investigating whether Strain was over-served before his disappearance.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission stated that there are no specific rules or statutes that regulate escorting intoxicated patrons out of establishments or providing assistance in getting them home. However, it is against state law to serve alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and this violation is considered a class A misdemeanor. In light of this incident, the TABC has initiated an investigation to determine if any violations have taken place.
TC Restaurant Group, the owner and operator of Luke’s 32 Bridge, announced earlier this week that it is collaborating with the police to assist in the search for Riley Strain. They are providing security camera footage and any other relevant information to aid in the investigation. The company expressed their concern for Riley’s safety and extended their thoughts and support to his family and loved ones.
According to the University of Missouri, Strain is a senior student who is pursuing a major in business and interdisciplinary studies.
“Our hearts go out to Riley’s family as we continue the search,” expressed Angela King Taylor, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Missouri, in a statement released on March 11.
The Delta Chi Fraternity expressed its profound concern for the safety of Riley Strain, a cherished member of our Missouri Chapter, in a statement released on March 11. During this difficult period, our thoughts and hopes are with Riley’s family and the Missouri Chapter, as we prioritize their well-being.
If you have any information, please contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
