Authorities obtained a clue in the case of missing University of Missouri college student Riley Strain on Sunday, who went missing while visiting Nashville earlier this month.
Strain’s bank card was discovered Sunday on the embankment between Gay Street and the Cumberland River, near Riverfront Park, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The search for him continues,” Nashville police said.
Strain was visiting Nashville on Friday, March 8, when he went missing after being ejected out of a pub on Gay Street in the Broadway neighborhood, according to Nashville police.
Friends last saw the 22-year-old at 9:52 p.m., after he was ejected out of Luke Bryan’s pub, Luke’s 32 Bridge, according to police.
Strain’s parents said he and his Delta Chi fraternity members were in Nashville for a formal.
“He was excited because he was out, and he was emailing me images from the various bars they were going to. “He was having fun with his fraternity brothers,” his mother, Michelle Whiteid, told ABC News.
At 9:46 p.m., surveillance video from a nearby company saw the 22-year-old stumbling down a street alone. Strain may also be seen sprinting and sliding down from another perspective.
There is no evidence of foul play, and Strain was not in a fight or dispute with anyone that night, Nashville Police Sgt. Robert Nielsen said at a March 14 news conference.
Strain’s last known surveillance video footage showed him traveling north between James Robertson Bridge and Woodland Street Bridge, according to Nielsen, and he was alone.
Authorities are conducting searches on foot, by drone, and by boat, including sonar-equipped vessels, according to Nielsen.
“He is a good child. “He was down here looking forward to a fun weekend,” Strain’s father, Ryan Gilbert, told ABC News. “We want to bring him back home safe.”
Strain’s parents and stepparents have been in Nashville for days, assisting with the hunt.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission says it is looking into whether Strain was overserved before he disappeared.
“There are no specific rules or statutes governing escorting out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or providing assistance in getting someone home,” the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission stated in a statement. “However, state law bans supplying alcoholic beverages to anyone who is visibly drunk. A violation is a Class A misdemeanor. The TABC has initiated an investigation into this situation to determine whether any infractions occurred.”
TC Restaurant Group, the operator and owner of Luke’s 32 Bridge, stated earlier this week that it is helping with police “to provide security camera footage and any other potentially useful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain.” Our prayers are with his family and loved ones on his safe return.
Strain is a senior majoring in business and interdisciplinary studies at the University of Missouri.
“Our thoughts are with Riley’s family as the search continues,” said Angela King Taylor, interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Missouri, in a statement released March 11.
“The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply concerned for the safety of Riley Strain, a valued member of our Missouri Chapter,” the fraternity stated on March 11. “Our thoughts and hopes are with Riley’s family and our Missouri Chapter during this challenging time.”
Anyone with information is requested to contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.