Riley Strain’s parents and stepfather expressed heartbreak Friday after her body was found in Tennessee’s Cumberland River.
Riley’s mother, Michelle Whyid, told reporters on Friday: “To all the mothers out there, hold your babies tight tonight.” fox 17.
“Please hold your babies tight tonight.”
Strain’s parents and several other family members wore green, Strain’s favorite color, to honor the University of Missouri student’s memory at the news conference.
Strain went missing earlier this month after being kicked out of a Nashville bar while traveling with fraternity brothers.
Strain’s father, Ryan Gilbert, thanked the Nashville Police Department, the Cajun Navy, the community and his family back home for their help in the search for his son.
“What they’ve done for us is incredible,” Gilbert said.
Her father-in-law, Chris Whiteyed, a finance major, said the past two weeks have been an “emotional roller coaster.”
“We are so grateful for everything you have done for our family. The blessings you have given us mean more than you can imagine,” Chris Whyed said.
“To the people of Nashville, I cannot thank you enough for the support, love, and encouragement you have shown me and my wife. How much it meant to us during our darkest times. I don’t think you understand what happened.”
Family, friends and members of the Nashville community held a candlelight vigil in memory of Strain’s family Friday night on Gay Street, one of the places the 22-year-old Strain was last seen.
In a statement provided to The Post Friday, Strain’s fraternity, Delta Chi, spoke passionately about their late brother.
“The Delta Chi fraternity is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our esteemed fraternity brother, Riley Strain,” the newspaper wrote.
“During this incredibly difficult time, our hearts go out to Riley’s family and loved ones, and we are working to provide support and resources to everyone affected by this tragedy. .”
What you need to know about Riley Strain’s mysterious disappearance
Strain disappeared on March 8 after leaving country star Luke Bryan’s honky-tonk bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge.
Over the next two weeks, authorities followed a trail of phone ringtones and grainy surveillance footage, and earlier this week they also found a bank card in his name on a riverbank.
Strain’s body was found floating in the Cumberland River around 7:30 a.m. by workers removing debris from the banks of the river, according to Metropolitan Nashville Police.
The fire department responded quickly pull one’s body out of the water Hours later, police confirmed it was the 22-year-old.
Police say no criminal activity is suspected, but an autopsy is scheduled.
Police Chief John Drake told reporters that Strain was wearing the same shirt, watch and “other identifying items” that initially led investigators to believe the missing student was found. He said he was doing it.
His body was discovered just two weeks after he was last seen.
