Nashville police look for missing University of Missouri student after phone goes quiet
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Police in Nashville are asking for help to find a University of Missouri student and fraternity member last seen at a bar over the weekend.
Riley Strain, 22, of Springfield, Misssouri, was last seen at about 10 p.m. Friday in downtown Nashville, according to a missing poster circulating online. Strain is a member of the Delta Chi fraternity at MU, according to one of his social media profiles.
Social media posts by those spreading the word about Strain say he was on a trip with his fraternity brothers. MU's student directory lists Strain as a senior seeking an interdisciplinary bachelor of arts.
Strain's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, told News 2 in Nashville that family members were worried because Strain had been unreachable by phone, which is highly unusual.
Strain was last seen wearing brown boots, blue jeans and a white and black button-up shirt. He is 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 165 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes.
MU says in a news release that it is providing counseling resources for students and faculty through services such as the Wellness Resource Center and the Counseling Center.
A Nashville police missing persons report says Strain was kicked out of Luke Bryan's bar before he disappeared.
According to a social media post from the Metro Nashville Police Department, Strain was last seen at 9:52 p.m. Friday on Gay Street.
"An MNPD helicopter searched that area today, including the riverbank," the post reads. "Detectives on the ground also searched, but to no avail. The investigation as to his whereabouts is active."
The MU Delta Chi President declined to comment about the disappearance Monday, adding the fraternity would issue a statement at a later time. Delta Chi released a statement offering support to the Missouri Chapter.
"The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply concerned for the safety of #RileyStrain, a valued member of our Missouri Chapter, reported missing over the weekend in Nashville, Tennessee," the post reads. "Our thoughts and hopes are with Riley's family and our Missouri Chapter during this challenging time."
Anyone with information is asked to call Nashville police.
Strain was last seen at 9:52 p.m. Friday on Gay St. after drinking downtown. An MNPD helicopter searched that area today, including the riverbank. Detectives on the ground also searched, but to no avail. The investigation as to his whereabouts is active. https://t.co/gyhVeJo0Wh
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 11, 2024
