Police say they have recovered the body of 22-year-old Riley Strain, who went missing on March 8th from Luke Bryan’s Bar on 32 Bridge.
of Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (MNPD) posted a bulletin on its Facebook page on Friday, notifying the public that Strain’s body had been recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville. They said Strain’s body was found “approximately 13 miles from downtown.”
“No injuries related to foul play were observed. An autopsy is underway,” police added.
On Friday, MNPD Police Chief John Drake told reporters that evidence indicates Strain fell into the Cumberland River by mistake. ABC News.
River workers discovered Strain’s body Friday morning, Drake continued.
On Friday, he said an autopsy would likely be performed, ABC News reported.
Police have notified the media and concerned public that further information will be shared.
“A media briefing will be held at 9:45 a.m. at the Exxon Terminal entrance, 1741 Ed Temple Road,” MNPD wrote on its Facebook page.
Strain was last seen at a bar owned by country star Luke Bryan, The Tennessean reported on March 14. The store was reportedly under investigation over claims that University of Missouri students may have been overserved before their disappearance.
Helicopters, drones and foot patrols were also used in the intense search for Strain, ABC News reported. The Nashville Emergency Management Agency deployed two boats and used sonar technology to scan the Cumberland River to find the missing students.
OEM crews sent two boats to assist in searching the riverbank area. This launch requires additional sonar equipment, and the crew will work together to follow a set route. @MNPDNashville They continue to investigate the whereabouts of the missing 22-year-old student. pic.twitter.com/8HBifRdugv
— Nashville EOC/OEM (@NashvilleEOC) March 13, 2024
Chris Whyid, the student’s stepfather, told ABC News that he FaceTimed his mother the night the student went missing, and that she did not appear to be under the influence. (Related: Missing college student’s last known text revealed as TikTok detective finds bank card in unusual location)
Whiteid added that Strain and her mother spoke on FaceTime and then exchanged additional text messages, ABC News reported. Her last message was reportedly, “I love you.”
