Preliminary autopsy finds Riley Strain's death 'accidental'

US News

By Yaron Steinbuch

The death of University of Missouri student Riley Strain has been ruled “accidental,” according to a preliminary autopsy after the 22-year-old's body was found in a Nashville river.

Toxicology results and a final autopsy report are still pending, but there is no apparent foul play, Metropolitan Nashville Police spokesman Kris Mumford said. told The Tennessean.

A “detective attended the autopsy” — and the death “appears to be accidental,” Mumford said.

Strain, who went missing after being kicked out of a Nashville bar on a trip with fraternity brothers earlier this month, was found dead Friday in the Cumberland River in West Nashville.

“I'm asking you moms out there to hug your kids tight tonight,” Riley's mother, Michelle Whited, told reporters. “Please, for me, hug your children tight tonight.”

The student was visiting Music City with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers when he passed out on March 8 after leaving country star Luke Bryan's honky-tonk bar, Luke's 32 Bridge.

His family initially said he had consumed a large amount of food, but bar operators said he only drank one alcoholic drink and two drinks of water.

The bar shared that security decided to kick Strine out of the late-night venue based on their “standards of conduct” because of his behavior.

Strain was caught on video crossing K Street after leaving the bar, about a 17-minute walk from Luke's 32 Bridge, police said.

A homeless man said he saw a “very, very intoxicated” strain almost fall into the river on the edge of a path.

Strain's brotherhood spoke glowingly of their departed brother.

“The Delta Chi fraternity is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our esteemed brother and sister Riley Strain,” it said in a statement to The Post.

“Our hearts go out to Riley's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as we work to provide support and resources to all affected by this tragedy.”