Late college student Riley Strain’s family has requested a second autopsy after the first report on his death revealed it to be accidental with no foul play involved. Strain went missing on March 8 and was found dead eight miles from downtown Nashville on March 22. The family friend of the Strain family mentioned that the initial report only found a watch and a shirt with Strain and they are seeking more answers.
The Nashville PD announced that Strain’s body was recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville with no foul play-related trauma observed. Strain, who was 22 at the time of his death, was visiting Nashville as part of a Delta Chi fraternity trip. Security footage revealed that Strain made a turn away from his hotel and was seen interacting with a homeless man and a police officer on the night of his disappearance.
As the investigation continued, it was confirmed that Strain had been asked to leave Luke Bryan’s Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink restaurant and there were concerns about whether he was served alcohol while visibly intoxicated. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission confirmed on March 13 that they were looking into the matter. Bryan’s bar and its owner, TC Restaurant Group, did cooperate with the investigation but have not publicly commented on Strain’s death.
Despite contacting his family before his disappearance, Strain’s stepfather mentioned that they were still expecting a positive outcome. The family had a private autopsy done after the initial report was released, seeking more answers about Strain’s death. Strain’s stepfather revealed that Strain had sent pictures and called right before his disappearance, adding to the mystery surrounding his death.
The investigation into Strain’s death includes security footage showing him walking with a homeless man and interacting with a police officer. His bank card was found near the Cumberland River and Gay Street during the search for his whereabouts. The circumstances surrounding Strain’s death continue to be a point of interest, with the family and authorities seeking more information and answers. The uncertainty surrounding Strain’s death, including his activities leading up to his disappearance and the events at the bar where he was last seen, have raised many questions that the family hopes will be answered through further investigation and autopsies.
