On Tuesday, the release of Riley Strain's autopsy results brought a somber clarity to his tragic story, confirming the cause of death as accidental drowning and ethanol intoxication, with a blood alcohol content measured at .228, nearly three times the legal limit for driving. As reported by WKRN, the investigation by the Metro Nashville Police Department deemed Strain's death an accident, ruling out the speculation of foul play that clouded social media and prompted numerous tips that contributed no actionable evidence.
The incident has prompted a probe by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission into whether Strain, a University of Missouri senior, was over-served on the night he vanished after being expelled from Luke Bryan’s bar, Luke's 32Bridge bar claims they only served Strain one alcoholic drink along with two glasses of water before his disappearance. "Riley Strain's toxicology report released after medical examiner findings," an article by NewsChannel5 detailed his movements on that fateful night and how the ensuing search efforts became a combined endeavor involving law enforcement, volunteers, and the family of the victim.
Strain, who had also traces of Delta 9 in his system, a legal form of THC available in Tennessee, became separated from his friends and was last seen stumbling into the perilous embrace of the Cumberland River's high and swift waters following recent rainfall. The search for Strain, which culminated in the heartbreaking discovery of his body in the river in the Nations neighborhood of West Nashville, now comes to a close with the police department asserting in a statement, that they have "extended its heartfelt condolences to Riley Strain’s family and friends," as detailed by Action News 5.
The community and family’s involvement in the search did not go unnoticed with Michelle Whiteid, Strain's mother, expressing profound gratitude through tears for the support that sustained them during the harrowing search in a statement obtained by WKRN: "I just want to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone and how much we appreciate everyone’s support and love and prayers because we feel them. We’ve felt every one of them," while also sharing a poignant plea to other parents, "I just ask that you mamas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please for me." As the investigation continues, questions about the circumstances of Riley Strain's final night persist, with local law enforcement working to determine where else he may have been served alcohol and whether any establishment may be held accountable for over-service.
