Riley Strain, who was 22 years old and a college student at the University of Missouri, went missing on March 8, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. This happened after he was told to leave a place called Luke’s 32 Bridge bar because of drinking too much. Eventually, on March 22, 2024, his body was discovered in the Cumberland River. This event happened nearly two months later after Riley went missing.
At first, the autopsy stated his death was an accident by drowning. His family still has doubts and requested for a second autopsy because they worry about the possibility of someone putting something in his drink. This case is now getting attention across the nation with help from online detectives and volunteers to find out more details.
Riley Strain’s Final Hours
Riley Strain went to Nashville in Tennessee with his fraternity brothers for their yearly gathering. He was spotted last at the bar of Luke Bryan called Luke’s 32 Bridge where they requested him to depart because he was drunk.
Around 9:40 p.m. on March 8, 2023, Riley was told to leave the bar and he departed. People who saw him observed that he was stumbling and having difficulty walking in a straight path. Video from surveillance cameras presents him moving away from the bar not towards his hotel, but in an opposing direction heading towards Cumberland River.
The following movements of Riley were recorded by surveillance cameras once he departed from the bar. They show him stumbling off in a different way from his hotel and finally crashing into a pole on Church Street. He further stumbles upon Gay Street near the river, with some images displaying him holding his head. The final video of Riley Strain, he walks quickly, almost like jogging and then goes out of sight.
Image Credit: CHRISTOPHER WHITEIDThe final ping from Riley’s phone was recorded roughly half a mile away from the bar, somewhere around Gay Street and James Robertson Parkway. This indicates he might have walked towards the river before vanishing.
It happened almost two months after he went missing from his home on January 26th that year. The initial autopsy conducted by authorities ruled out any signs of trauma or struggle and concluded his death as accidental drowning but still, Riley’s family has many questions. They are particularly concerned about the possibility of someone spiking his drink so they have ordered for a second autopsy to clear all doubts.
Controversies
The inquiry about Riley’s vanishing and death is still going on. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is looking into if he was served too much alcohol at Luke’s 32 Bridge. Both the fraternity and bar have provided statements saying they are cooperating with the investigation, but Riley’s family continues to question what really happened.
Riley Strain’s Legacy
The event of Riley’s vanishing and passing away has created a request that requests downtown Nashville bars to call cabs for people who are drunk. At the College of Arts & Science commencement ceremony in University of Missouri, Riley’s educational accomplishments were acknowledged with a diploma given to his parents.
Investigation Timeline
March 8, 2023: In Nashville, Riley Strain vanishes after being made to leave Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge Bar.
March 9, 2023: Riley is reported missing to the police by his family.
March 23, 2023: Following an autopsy, it is initially determined that Riley’s death appears to be accidental and that there are no indications of injuries associated to foul play.
March 27, 2023: Riley’s family contracts with a for-profit business to conduct an impartial autopsy that involves further testing on particular objects.
March 29, 2023: In Springfield, Missouri, there is a visitation and a celebration of life at Greenlawn Funeral Home.
April 1, 2024: If Riley was given too much alcohol at the bar, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission starts looking into it.
April 12, 2024: The inquiry into whether Riley received excessive alcohol service is still ongoing.
May 10, 2024: The medical examiner completes the toxicological report.
May 11, 2024: Riley’s family enlists the legal team at Morgan and Morgan in order to obtain additional information.
Investigation Findings
Autopsy Results: According to the first autopsy, Riley’s death seemed to have been an accident without any indication of injuries connected to foul play.
Toxicology Report: Although the toxicological report is still pending, its release is anticipated shortly.
Independent Autopsy: Riley’s family has contracted with a private business to do an impartial autopsy that will involve extra testing on particular objects.
Investigation into Overserving: The TABC is looking into if Riley was given too much alcohol at the bar.
The report from the coroner suggests that there was no water found in Riley’s lungs, which brings up uncertainty if he was still living when he went into the water. It is strange that his wallet has not been found.
The Family’s Quest for Answers
Family of Riley Strain is not giving up in their search for answers and closure. They were doubtful even when the first autopsy declared his death as accidental drowning, leading them to request a second one. The family has enlisted the services of a private investigator and law firm to help them find out more details about what happened at the end stage.
The Impact of Riley Strain’s Death
The death of Riley Strain has left a deep mark on his family and the area where he lived. His stepfather talked openly about their sorrow and annoyance, saying that it was like being on an “emotional roller-coaster.” A petition has been started because of this situation. It requests for downtown Nashville bars to arrange taxis for customers who are too drunk, underlining the importance of more safety actions.