Found Deceased TN - Riley Strain, 22, missing after leaving bar, Nashville, 8 March 2024 #3

[DeDee]

So the video of him passing the police officer has him walking upright and not slurring his words, even though he spoke very few.

His stepfather told Banfield that when Riley turned off Church onto Gay St to the last time he was seen on cop cam was less than 3 minutes. Further he says, 5 to 7 minutes of missing time is after that.

You would think that if he was really in trouble he could had asked for directions back to hotel as he was an out of towner.

Is it possible that Riley knew where he was going? He'd been walking on Gay for a couple of minutes next to the Cumberland River? His direction of travel does not include a structure that is similar to the name of his hotel, the Tempo


source: NewsNation

Obviously they were not there to track him down, and even referred to him as “Sir.”

Riley's parents and others have spoken out about Riley being kind, considerate, polite. Sir fits him. This is just one of the saddest tragedies thus far in 2024. This could have been our own sons or loved ones. He's an American College student on the cusp of graduating who will never be married nor experience the joy of children of his own.

Unless there was some nefarious plot to get him to that bridge to throw him in, you really can’t point the finger at anybody here. I mean, how many times a night do big cities, especially big tourist towns like Nashville, have other inebriated people kicked out of establishments and/or encounter police officers? And the vast, vast majority of them don’t end up drowning the same night.

Sad for his family, but this event is really an anomaly.

 

[photoprose1122]

The bank card must have been in a pocket, floated and ended up on the shore? It’s remarkable it was found at all. Moo

Either that or fell out when he bent over to vomit again and perhaps that’s when he stumbled and fell into the water, or something like that.

 

[Campizi67]

Agreed - I don’t agree with blaming the establishment for over-serving an individual unless it was blatant over-serving (I.e. multiple alcoholic beverages to an individual who is clearly very intoxicated). It’s difficult to always identify when someone is too drunk. Some people don’t act as intoxicated as they really are. I know in Riley’s case he was falling down drunk, but he may not have been that way when he was served the one drink at that bar. Once it became apparent he was too intoxicated, they served him water as they should. MOO.

Very good points. I would like to add that this poor young man was reportedly visiting a couple of other bars prior to the one he was escorted out of, so technically, the last bar was "innocent" of any wrongdoing.

In this case, what is the rule of law? I have no idea as I don't drink or go to bars. Is it up to the bartender to determine what or how much someone has had to drink before they entered their bar? I just can't see that being viable or practical.

Reflecting on this case has prompted me to reconsider how I approach encountering someone who appears intoxicated in public. I believe it's crucial to prioritize safety for everyone involved. Rather than leaving them to fend for themselves, I advocate for proactive steps like calling a cab or a ride-share service. Alternatively, one can ask if the person has a contact who can safely pick them up. Staying with the individual until help arrives is also a responsible option. Taking these actions ensures their safety and prevents potential harm to themselves or others due to intoxication.

I'm sure we all hope for something positive to emerge from this tragedy. Despite the profound sadness, there's an opportunity for us to learn and evolve. Perhaps this incident can spark discussions about alcohol awareness and responsible drinking habits in our communities. Together, we can implement measures to enhance everyone's safety during outings. By directing our sorrow into action, we honor the memory of those affected and strive to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

My heart goes out to this family.

 

[MassGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1771301607122051210

 

[Bogbacal2]

A 30 foot plunge needs a better barrier than that. Poor Riley.

30 ft plunge and NO ONE HEARD HIM FALL INTO THE WATER? Come on…Seriously. Is it my understanding that he was still near the homeless camp when Riley “fell 30 feet” into the water? Likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome but we will never know. Ashamed Riley couldn’t have grabbed onto something. Maybe after falling that far and that hard, he was not conscious when he hit the water.

 

[StacyMarie83]

Claims by friends that they were ohhh so desperate to accompany him, but were then stopped by bar employees with Gestapo attitudes and forced to settle their tabs in an excruciatingly slow process while their beloved fraternity brother slipped out of sight....

Should be taken very heavily salted.

Bar tabs are secured by credit cards in advance. People can leave at anytime. The card is then auto charged after a tip is added.

In the end, and seeking to stifle frustration, but it is frustrating seeing people want to assign blame to bar staff in this case....

Nice college boys can still make bad personal decisions regarding alcohol. Other nice college students can lie to put themselves in a better light. Bar employees try hard to find the mystical balance between safety and personal choices. They dont, however, have crystal balls.

100%

I'd also like to know what behavior led Riley, and only Riley, to be booted from the bar. I've seen many people get kicked out of bars, big and small - I've never seen anyone leave alone (usually the whole group gets booted). And if those friends were that concerned, they would have called 911 back at the hotel that night, not the next morning- they knew he left alone, not with a friend, not with a girl, and not with strangers. It's very sad. I totally understand that stuff happens, it truly does, we read about it everyday on here - but it could have easily gone the other way and we'd never know of this young man.

 

[Odeto BJ]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1771286197421133898

https://twitter.com/x/status/1771287084889702484

https://twitter.com/x/status/1771287832671219944

Photos: Upper from Google Earth, beneath the JR Bridge, a broader view with the fender cc posts and the wooden post and rail behind as posted by Massguy and per Burton Staggs. Also: The interview with the lady whose cohort found the credit card was done right at the junction between the wood structure and the adjacent green chain link fence, to the right of the photo. Note the pier foundation in the background....
Lower photo extracted from //pixels.com/featured/northbound-across-the-cr-drawbridge-on-the-cumberland-river-at-nashville-tn-jim-pearson.html

This gives the impression of the retaining wall holding the fill beneath the street right at this point. Portions of the drop from the street to the river are in fact vertical: and there is a gap in the foliage. Photo from 2019.

My own guess: Riley sat down on the stone perimeter wall to the left of the upper photo, lost his balance. His CC was very close to that and immediately below per Mr Staggs on X.

 

[fsngruv]

30 ft plunge and NO ONE HEARD HIM FALL INTO THE WATER? Come on…Seriously. Is it my understanding that he was still near the homeless camp when Riley “fell 30 feet” into the water? Likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome but we will never know. Ashamed Riley couldn’t have grabbed onto something. Maybe after falling that far and that hard, he was not conscious when he hit the water.

The ladies who found the card, already explained it was loud where they found the card. There's bridge traffic. They went on to say they were less than a few feet from each other and were yelling at each other and couldn't hear each other. Are they lying?! Come on.... Seriously?! There isn't a homeless camp under this bridge, it is under that gay street connector at church.

 

[Hestia's Fire]

30 ft plunge and NO ONE HEARD HIM FALL INTO THE WATER? Come on…Seriously. Is it my understanding that he was still near the homeless camp when Riley “fell 30 feet” into the water? Likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome but we will never know. Ashamed Riley couldn’t have grabbed onto something. Maybe after falling that far and that hard, he was not conscious when he hit the water.

I can believe it, depending on the ambient noise level in that specific area. I'd have to be standing right there to say for sure, but Nashville is LOUD. Between the music blaring out of all the different bars and restaurants and clubs, traffic noise, party buses full of celebrating bachelorettes... I can absolutely imagine someone falling into the water at some point without people nearby realizing what has happened, if the fall happened to coincide with the right combination of horns blaring and drunken revelers yelling and music blasting. Maybe it's quieter right in that specific spot since it's a bit away from the main party streets, maybe not, but I can definitely imagine a scenario where he tumbles into the water and no one hears the splash over all the other Nashville noise. IMO, MOO, etc., etc.

 

[Cryptic]

I'd also like to know what behavior led Riley, and only Riley, to be booted from the bar. I've seen many people get kicked out of bars, big and small - I've never seen anyone leave alone (usually the whole group gets booted).

That is a good point. As you said, usually its either the whole group gets booted.

Or, a more sober group member accepts a warning on behalf of the main offender and apologizes. Even a brief apology is still an apology and often accepted- nobody likes booting paying customers. They then..... "redirect" the main violator back into the zone of controlled fun. Thus, everyone is allowed to stay.

I am thinking that perhaps the Fraternity was starting to fragment early on. Thus, Ryan might not of been immediately connected to the group. Say....

- Some members who do not want a heavy drinking experience start to drift off in smaller groups to other places.
- Some of the more skilled and/ or daring head to the dance floor.
- Some, sit as a group at a main table or tables and continue celebrating.
- Ryan wanders off a little. Commits a conduct violation and gets booted. As he was not immediately with his group, the violation is on him alone.

 

[fsngruv]

The railing is way too low, for such a steep incline. I hope this is fixed ASAP, and folks drink with friends and stick togeth

Photos: Upper from Google Earth, beneath the JR Bridge, a broader view with the fender cc posts and the wooden post and rail behind as posted by Massguy and per Burton Staggs. Also: The interview with the lady whose cohort found the credit card was done right at the junction between the wood structure and the adjacent green chain link fence, to the right of the photo. Note the pier foundation in the background....
Lower photo extracted from //pixels.com/featured/northbound-across-the-cr-drawbridge-on-the-cumberland-river-at-nashville-tn-jim-pearson.html

This gives the impression of the retaining wall holding the fill beneath the street right at this point. Portions of the drop from the street to the river are in fact vertical: and there is a gap in the foliage. Photo from 2019.

My own guess: Riley sat down on the stone perimeter wall to the left of the upper photo, lost his balance. His CC was very close to that and immediately below per Mr Staggs on X.

That pier foundation is actually the 1823 old Nashville toll bridge, there is a small green fence

Photos: Upper from Google Earth, beneath the JR Bridge, a broader view with the fender cc posts and the wooden post and rail behind as posted by Massguy and per Burton Staggs. Also: The interview with the lady whose cohort found the credit card was done right at the junction between the wood structure and the adjacent green chain link fence, to the right of the photo. Note the pier foundation in the background....
Lower photo extracted from //pixels.com/featured/northbound-across-the-cr-drawbridge-on-the-cumberland-river-at-nashville-tn-jim-pearson.html

This gives the impression of the retaining wall holding the fill beneath the street right at this point. Portions of the drop from the street to the river are in fact vertical: and there is a gap in the foliage. Photo from 2019.

My own guess: Riley sat down on the stone perimeter wall to the left of the upper photo, lost his balance. His CC was very close to that and immediately below per Mr Staggs on X.

I hate to get off topic, and agree with your assessment, just wanted to make a small correction...That is the 1823 Nashville toll bridge, it is separate from the wall to the left. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XuZDrwjZU6BJas1D9https://nativehistoryassociation.org/tollbridge.php

 

[fascinating]

Despite his drunken state, could Riley have had the wherewithal to intentionally throw his card to "safety" as a breadcrumb while he was tumbling in? Seems pretty unlikely I know. Just thinking through different scenarios that could result in the card being found where it was.

I'm so so sad for Riley's family and friends. RIP.

 

[Sunny Day]

After all that time in the water, would they still be able to tell if he had been drugged (roofied) ?

 

[SMK777]

Riley Strain's family thanks Nashville for 'love and grace' after their son's death​

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Riley Strain's family thanked the Nashville police and community after the disappearance of their son prompted a 14-day search.
………

Michelle Whiteid, Riley’s mom
I want to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone and how much we appreciate everyone's support, love and prayers. We have felt every single one. I ask you mommas out there: hug your babies tight tonight for me. Thank you, thank you for sharing our story.
Ryan Gilbert, Riley’s father
You've helped us get some closure here and take our boy home. I have a lot of people to thank. I am sure I will forget someone. I want to thank MNPD. I am sure they've had a lot of sleepless nights. The United Cajun Navy — they gave structure on our side and things lined out. They have been a great asset to us. The individuals who have tried to help us with numerous things — putting up flyers and whatnot. The Ward family for all their work. All the people back home in our personal lives. We can't say enough to all of you.

Riley Strain's family thanks Nashville for 'love and grace' after their son's death

Riley Strain's family thanked the Nashville police and community after the disappearance of their son prompted a 14-day search.

www.newschannel5.com

 

[investigatefred]

30 ft plunge and NO ONE HEARD HIM FALL INTO THE WATER? Come on…Seriously. Is it my understanding that he was still near the homeless camp when Riley “fell 30 feet” into the water? Likely wouldn’t have changed the outcome but we will never know. Ashamed Riley couldn’t have grabbed onto something. Maybe after falling that far and that hard, he was not conscious when he hit the water.

He may not have plunged the entire 30 ft down. I'm sure a fall of that distance would likely illicit some sort of sound or verbal noise from Riley, as well as to a definite splash to the water. He may have made his way by foot many feet down before he had an incident that led to his entry in the water. JMO

 

[SMK777]

He may not have plunged the entire 30 ft down. I'm sure a fall of that distance would likely illicit some sort of sound or verbal noise from Riley, as well as to a definite splash to the water. He may have made his way by foot many feet down before he had an incident that led to his entry in the water. JMO

May be that he was looking for his lost card, and mistakenly thought it dropped down there.

 

[airportwoman]

I heard the news earlier today. RIP, Riley.

I also heard about the searchers finding ANOTHER man who had fallen off the riverbank and needed rescuing.

 

[SMK777]

Family of Riley Strain speaks after body found

 

[branmuffin]

But she was only reporting what had been told by a witness. News reports are only as accurate as the source.

It's incumbent on an "investigative journalist" (snicker) to verify their sources. This isn't the first time she's gotten ahead of a story without any verification.

 

[MollyHarps]

I just want in that video to give his beautiful mum a hug..

I knew that you needed the body so I’m so glad the river gave it up.

RIP my friend I hope I’ll see you again my love