Report reveals details about Strain’s tragic disappearance and the circumstances of his passing.
The autopsy for University of Missouri student Riley Strain, who went missing in early March, confirms that he drowned after a night of heavy drinking in Nashville, Tennessee. Strain’s disappearance drew national attention as searches continued for two weeks until his body was found in the Cumberland River.
Assistant Medical Examiner Gulpreet Singh Bowman concluded that the 22-year-old’s death was caused by both drowning and ethanol intoxication, a condition that arises from consuming excessive alcohol. The report, completed Tuesday, aligns with previous findings from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, which indicated that Strain’s death appeared accidental and showed no evidence of “foul play-related trauma.”
According to the report, Strain’s body was found floating face-down in the river, clothed in a “tan and black short sleeve shirt, blue plaid undershorts, and black socks.” The autopsy also described personal items found on him, including a blue watch on his left wrist, along with a “white metal necklace and yellow metal necklace with a pendant” around his neck. His clothing was notably covered in a thick layer of dark mud, though the report did not provide details regarding his missing pants.
Strain’s last known sighting was near the James Robertson Parkway Bridge underpass on March 8, 2024. His disappearance following a night out with fraternity members raised concerns about his safety, and the subsequent recovery of his body confirmed the tragic outcome.
NBC News reached out to Strain’s stepfather, Chris Whiteid, for comments on the report’s findings, as friends and family continue to mourn the loss and reflect on the circumstances surrounding his death.
