Riley Strain died of drowning, intoxication: Medical examiner
- Riley Strain disappeared after a night of drinking with his friends
- The search for the 22-year-old college student lasted several days
- His body was found in the Cumberland River
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(NewsNation) — A medical examiner’s report revealed Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student who disappeared in Nashville, Tennessee, after a night of drinking, died of drowning and ethanol intoxication.
The report from the Davidson County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Strain’s death an accident and determined that alcohol intoxication and drowning were the cause of death.
Strain’s disappearance
Strain was reported missing after a night spent drinking with his fraternity brothers in Nashville. Strain was kicked out of a bar and told friends he was going back to the hotel. They reported him missing after he was not there the next morning.
The search for Strain lasted several days as his family and friends looked for answers. Strain was seen on surveillance video throughout the streets of downtown Nashville and was last seen at an underpass near the Cumberland River.
Riley Strain, 22, disappeared on March 8, 2023 in Nashville. (Credit: Whiteid and Gilbert family) 
(Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) 
(Courtesy: Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop) 
This undated photo provided by Chris Whiteid show Riley Strain on Jan. 2, 2024. Police in Tennessee on Friday, March 22, announced that Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student who went missing in Nashville for nearly two weeks, has been found dead. Metro Nashville police officials confirmed that Strain’s body had been recovered from the Cumberland River approximately eight miles (12.8 kilometers) west of downtown. (Chris Whiteid via AP) 
Riley Strain’s mother, stepfather during Mar. 19 press conference (WKRN video) 
The parents of Riley Strain accept his diploma from the University of Missouri. (Credit: University of Missouri)
Investigation into Strain’s disappearance
Strain’s body was later found floating in the river, putting an end to the search. While investigators said Strain drowned, his family suggested there could have been more to the story.
Family members said Strain’s final texts were suspicious and questioned why his body was found with no pants or belt. The family also arranged for a second autopsy after questioning initial findings from investigators.
Riley Strain’s cause of death
The autopsy results included a finding of pleural effusion, or water on the lungs, which can be consistent with drowning. The medical examiner found no signs of trauma on the body and found evidence of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and marijuana in Strain’s blood.
Read the full report here:
