Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student, tragically disappeared during a night out in Nashville in March. His body was later found along the Cumberland River. A police investigation revealed that Strain had consumed between 12 to 15 drinks before his death. The medical examiner’s report showed that Strain had a blood alcohol level of .228% and died from drowning and ethanol poisoning.
The investigation shed light on how Strain managed to consume such a large amount of alcohol in one night. Strain was on a spring formal trip to Nashville with his fraternity, which began with a bus ride from Missouri to Tennessee. Despite the bus driver’s strict no-alcohol policy, Strain managed to have at least five drinks on the way to Nashville, including vodka shots and IPAs.
Upon arriving in Nashville, Strain and his friends went to a Mexican restaurant downtown, where surveillance footage captured him drinking a margarita. Later that evening, Strain was seen stumbling around 8:40 p.m. and was eventually asked to leave a bar on Broadway. He was last seen walking in the direction of his hotel before disappearing.
While the Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission ruled that Strain had not been overserved, it remains unclear where and how he consumed the excessive amount of alcohol. Security camera footage reviewed by the TABC did not show Strain appearing visibly drunk. However, video footage released by the Metro Nashville Police Department showed Strain stumbling away from downtown towards the river.
Approximately two weeks after his disappearance, a worker along the Cumberland River reported seeing a body, which was later confirmed to be Strain. His family remembers him fondly for his dedication to service, love for hunting and fishing, and passion for good food.
The tragic death of Riley Strain serves as a reminder of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the importance of staying safe while enjoying a night out. It also highlights the need for awareness around responsible drinking practices and the potential consequences of alcohol poisoning. Let us all take this opportunity to reflect on how we can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
