Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student, was found dead from drowning and ethanol intoxication in Nashville’s Cumberland River after disappearing during a fraternity trip in March, authorities confirmed.

Strain, who had a blood alcohol content of 0.228 and traces of THC in his system, was last seen on March 8 at an underpass in downtown Nashville. His death has been ruled accidental, with no evidence of foul play. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission is investigating whether Strain, who was severely intoxicated and unfamiliar with the area, was overserved alcohol at various establishments on the night of his disappearance. Strain's family has raised concerns about the circumstances leading up to his tragic death.

Riley Strain was in Nashville on a trip with his fraternity when he went missing. The young student had visited Luke's 32 Bridge, a popular bar in the downtown area, where he was reportedly served one alcoholic drink and two waters around 9:35 p.m. that evening before being removed from the establishment. Despite the bar's claim of limited service, Strain’s family has accused the venue of overserving him, contributing to his severe intoxication.

Following his removal from the bar, Strain was last seen near the underpass of the James Robertson Parkway Bridge. The night of March 8 saw him walking alone while impaired. Eye-witnesses report that Strain appeared disoriented and was unfamiliar with the locale. Authorities believe he unwittingly stepped toward an overgrown area, which led to the river where he ultimately drowned.

His disappearance triggered an extensive search operation. On March 17, approximately nine days after he was last seen, Strain's body was discovered floating face down in the Cumberland River, eight miles downstream from the point of his last sighting. Strain’s clothing, which included a tan and black short sleeve shirt, blue plaid undershorts, and black socks, was covered in a thick film of dark mud when his body was recovered.

The autopsy report provided further grim details about Strain's condition. In addition to confirming drowning and ethanol intoxication as the direct causes of death, the report noted evidence of pleural effusion and pulmonary edema—both consistent with drowning. Furthermore, his blood alcohol content was found to be 0.228, nearly three times the legal driving limit, and traces of Delta 9 (THC) were also present in his system.

The discovery of Strain’s bank card between Gay Street and the river provided another clue in piecing together the series of events that led to his tragic end. However, so far, there has been no indication of foul play involved in his death.

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched an investigation to determine where else Strain might have been served alcohol that evening and whether any establishments overserved him. This move aims to clarify how Strain reached such a high level of intoxication before his fatal incident.

Strain’s family remains resolute in their accusations that the bar played a significant role in the chain of events leading to his death. They are awaiting the results of the investigation, which will determine if further actions will be taken against any of the establishments involved in serving him alcohol that night.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Riley Strain's death underscore the dangers associated with severe intoxication and unfamiliar environments, particularly near water bodies. His case continues to be a poignant reminder for responsible drinking.