NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A preliminary autopsy examination shows Riley Strain’s death appears to be accidental, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Don Aaron, spokesman for the department, said a detective attended the 22-year-old’s autopsy examination, and his death “continues to appear accidental.”
“No foul play-related trauma,” Aaron said in an email. “(Toxicology) pending per usual.”
A full autopsy report will not be released until all testing is back, Aaron said. Strain’s body was found on Friday, March 22, eight miles downriver from where he was last seen, and still had on the black and white shirt he was wearing when he went missing on March 8 after getting kicked out of Luke’s 32 Bridge in downtown Nashville, police said.
Strain’s body was found after two weeks of extensive search by air, boat, and on foot that included the Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville Fire Department, Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management, Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, United Cajun Navy and countless volunteers.
The University of Missouri student’s disappearance caught the attention of national and social media, which led to much-unfounded speculation around the circumstances of his disappearance and death. A TikToker finding Strain’s bank card on the banks of the Cumberland River stoked the flame of speculation even further.
From the beginning, authorities emphasized there was no evidence to support claims of foul play. The police department was flooded with tips about the potential for foul play in the case but none that were vetted turned up any leads, Sgt. Robert Nielsen said.
Videos released by businesses and police show Strain stumbling and falling around Nashville after being kicked out of the bar. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched an investigation into whether Strain was overserved alcohol on the night of his disappearance.
Luke’s 32Bridge claims Strain was served just one alcoholic beverage and two glasses of water while he was at the bar.
The TABC has worked with local law enforcement to determine where else he was served alcohol that night.
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