The body of Riley Strain, a student at the University of Missouri, was found in the Cumberland River in Nashville on Friday morning, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
The 22-year-old student had been missing since March 8th after going on a fraternity trip to the city. Strain was on a fraternity trip to Nashville and was last seen on March 8 after being ejected from Luke’s 32 Bridge, a bar owned by country singer Luke Bryan.
Police believe Strain fell into the river and there is no evidence of foul play. Addressing a news conference, Chief John Drake stated that there is no indication of foul play, as Strain was still in possession of his belongings. Police received over 200 tips during the search.
Drake said that Strain’s body was found by company workers shortly after 7am.
“They removed something from the river and as they moved it they noticed Mr. Strain and called it in,” Drake said.
Strain’s family has been informed. Police will send the body for an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
After Strain’s disappearance, a massive search was launched involving helicopters, boats, and ground crews. Investigators focused their search on the waterways after his debit card was found near the riverbank.
“This is not the outcome that anyone hoped for – especially his parents and everyone who loved him,” Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said in a social media post after the student’s body was found.
The University of Missouri is offering support to students and staff affected by Strain’s death.
