The ending no one hoped for, for Riley Strain.
The 22-year-old college student who went missing after being escorted out of Luke’s 32 Bridge Food and Drink on Broadway was found early Friday morning in the Cumberland River roughly eight miles from where he was last seen.
The Nashville community, along with other volunteer search parties, banded together in hopes of finding Riley alive for his parents. While this ending was one that no one hoped for, there is a small piece of comfort in knowing that his parents will not be wondering forever where their son is, and they can start the grieving and healing process.
Once Strain was found, his remains were taken for an autopsy to finalize if his death was foul play. Initial reports were released yesterday evening noting that his death appears to be ‘accidental.’
Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Kris Mumford said:
“Detective attended the autopsy examination…continues to appear accidental.”
The Tennessean reported that the final autopsy results will not be complete until toxicology reports are back. After his remains were found, Nashvillians gathered for a candlelight vigil memorializing Strain on Friday evening. While his parents noted how grateful they were to the Nashville community, they also stood in front of media outlets with heavy hearts as they shared the news of their son no longer being with them.
Strain’s mother asked everyone to remember to hold their babies a little tighter at night.
“I just ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please, for me. Hug your babies tight tonight.”
