Nashville Police find body of missing University of Missouri student
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The body of University of Missouri student Riley Strain was found in the Cumberland River Friday morning, almost two weeks after he went missing in Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville Police said over social media they found his body in West Nashville, about eight miles from Downtown.
Strain was reported missing after a Delta Chi Fraternity event in Nashville on March 8. He was kicked out of Luke's Bridge 32 bar on Broadway and 3rd Avenue just before 10 p.m. that night. Video surveillance showed him walking through downtown Nashville by himself.
Police said "no foul-play-related trauma was observed" and an autopsy is pending.
A Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson said bodies tend to surface after 14-20 days and Friday was day 14. Police say they were able to identify Strain by his shirt and his watch.
Students on MU's campus said Strain's death and disappearance has given campus a somber atmosphere. Some said while they didn't know Strain on a personal level, this has still been a sad and scary situation.
"I feel like in a way you feel connected and related to all the people that you see here on a daily basis, just because we come to the same place and we spend so much time here doing the same activities," student Noriel Buenano said. "So, I think it's very, very sad."
"It was definitely a shock and it was a little scary, honestly," student Daniel Adams said. "That could happen to anyone. It could happen to me, it could happen to my friends."
MU leadership sent a message to the campus Friday morning, stating the university is mourning the loss of a tiger. It was signed by MU President Mun Choi, who said extra resources are available on campus for students and employees in mourning.
MU spokesperson Christian Basi said anyone affected is encouraged to contact a counselor or call the university's 24/7 crisis line.
"It's a sad day. It's very tragic," Basi said. "We've lost a member of our community. We want to make sure that folks realize that we are here to support them in any way possible."
Basi said the university was in contact with MU's Delta Chi Fraternity chapter on Friday and will reach out to Strain's family, when the time is appropriate. MU begins its spring break this weekend, and Basi said there are no vigils planned at this time.
"We want to make sure that anything that we do is done in coordination with his fraternity, his family," Basi said. "So, that'll probably be a discussion as we move on down."we have as we move on," Basi said."
A vigil was held Friday night for Strain in Nashville.
The National Delta Chi Fraternity said in a statement "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 those affected by this tragedy."
Resources include the Fraternity's Campus Assistance Program for members of the fraternity. The University said students can reach out to the MU Counseling Center and faculty can reach out to the Employee Assistance Program for support.
