KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Metro Nashville Police Department said a body recovered Friday morning from the Cumberland River west of downtown Nashville has been identified as missing University of Missouri - Columbia student Riley Strain.
Chief of Police John Drake said around 7:28 a.m. an employee of a company along the Cumberland River called police after doing a routine check of the water and discovered what they believed to be Strain.
A media briefing will be held at 9:45 a.m. at 1741 Ed Temple Blvd, the Exxon Terminal entrance.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 22, 2024
The Nashville Fire Department was called in to retrieve the body and the medical office confirmed it was Strain, per Drake.
Drake said no foul play was observed during the medical review.
Strain's family has been notified of the recovery.
Mun Choi, the president of the University of Missouri System, released a statement of Strain's death, also offering support for MU students.
I write to you with a heavy heart with the news that the search for MU student Riley Strain has ended tragically. After an exhaustive search by authorities and volunteers, Riley’s body was recovered today in Nashville, Tenn., where he had traveled to attend his fraternity’s spring formal event.
The university is equipped to assist you as you process this loss. Students can contact the MU Counseling Center for support. Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program is available to faculty and staff.
The safety of our community is our highest priority, whether on campus or off campus. If you feel unsafe at any time, please call the MU Police Department at 573-882-7201 or dial 911 in the event of any emergency.
As the Mizzou community mourns Riley, we are keeping his family in our thoughts and offering support.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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