Preliminary autopsy reveals Riley Strain’s death was ‘accidental’

A preliminary autopsy report suggests Riley Strain’s death appears to be “accidental.”

On Saturday, the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed to WKRN that no foul play trauma was observed.

The 22-year-old’s body was located Friday, March 22 roughly eight miles away from where he was last seen in downtown after a nearly two-week search.

The University of Missouri student disappeared March 8 after he was kicked out of Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge Bar in downtown Nashville. Surveillance footage captured him walking around the city before he encountered police, whom he exchanged pleasantries with.

An extensive air, land, and water search unfolded; however, it wasn’t until two TikTokers located Strain’s bank card along the banks of the Cumberland River nearly two weeks later that officials finally had a solid lead.

Search crews began focusing on that particular area of the river, and within days Strain’s body had been located.

During a press conference, Nashville Police Chief John Drake stated a business worker from the area who had been routinely checking the river for Strain spotted the college student’s body the morning of March 22.

“I want to say to the family my heart and prayers go out to you all for this very unfortunate and tragic incident,” Drake said. “I also want to say thank you to the Nashville community (for) the outpouring of support from the community in trying to help us locate Mr. Strain.”

A preliminary autopsy report has since been completed. A full autopsy report won’t be ready until the toxicology results are in.

As of now, officials do not suspect foul play.

This is such an awful accident. It’s impossible to imagine what Riley’s friends and family are going through right now. They’re all in our thoughts and prayers.