Nashville may add river guardrails after Riley Strain’s death
- Missouri student’s body was found Friday in the Cumberland River
- Discovery ended a two-week search since he went missing
- “Hug your babies tight tonight," his mother said
(NewsNation) — Relatives and friends of University of Missouri student Riley Strain are mourning his death now that his body has been found. And the city of Nashville is considering steps to help prevent anybody else falling into the Cumberland River.
“Hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please for me,” said Michelle Whiteid, Riley’s mother, at a Friday news conference.
The 22 year old went missing March 9 after being told to leave a downtown Nashville bar where he had gathered with some fraternity brothers. After a search involving hundreds of volunteers, his body was found Friday in the river about eight miles from where he was last seen.
Police don’t believe there’s any evidence of foul play in Riley’s death, but an autopsy is pending.
Nashville’s mayor and city officials are now thinking about adding guardrails or barricades at the riverfront near the city’s nightclub and music hall area.