Family of missing Mizzou student Riley Strain to provide update - WSMV 4

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The family of Riley Strain held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on the search efforts for the University of Missouri student.

Strain, who was in Nashville for a fraternity trip, went missing on March 8 after being kicked out of Luke’s 32 Bridge on Broadway. Strain’s missing person’s case has gained national attention as the search for him continues.

Nashville authorities have searched both on land and in the river for him with no luck so far. That’s why the family reached out to the United Cajun Navy, a disaster response organization made up of volunteers, said United Cajun Navy master director David Flagg.

United Cajun Navy was formed after Hurricane Katrina to provide search and rescue resources after natural disasters and in missing persons cases.

Flagg said the group will deploy an airboat and a hovercraft in the coming days to help search for Strain along the Cumberland River bank, where his phone last pinged off a cell phone tower and his bank card was found by two civilians. Flagg said while the help from the public in the search has been welcomed, the search must become more organized and safer.

“Our main focus is to find Riley,” Flagg said. “Our secondary focus is to ensure the safety of the people out here searching.”

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On Monday, the Metro Nashville Police Department released a previously unseen video of Strain interacting with an officer on the night of his disappearance. Police said the Mizzou student did not seem distressed, while early video shows Strain stumbling and falling around downtown Nashville.

At the press conference Tuesday, MNPD Sgt. Robert Nielsen said speculation about whether Strain was being chased or followed by someone on the night of his disappearance was dispelled by the video released by police. Nielsen said while investigators continue to follow up on tips, authorities maintain there have been no indications of foul play.

While some have been critical of the response from local authorities, Nielsen emphasized that MNPD is doing all it can to find the 22-year-old. Local authorities plan to search along the river again Tuesday afternoon.

Strain’s family said while it has been frustrating at times, they feel detectives are handling the search efforts well.

Aside from the search along the Cumberland River, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched its own investigation to find out whether Strain was overserved alcohol on Broadway. Luke’s 32 Bridge claims Strain was served only one drink and two waters on the night he disappeared. The TABC declined to comment when asked if any other Broadway bars are being investigated.

Strain’s family thanked the public for its support since Strain has been missing.

“We appreciate the outpouring of support,” Strain’s family said. “Our goal is still to bring Riley home. We feel that it is still a very viable goal.”

Anyone who wishes to volunteer alongside the Cajun Navy should contact them, Flagg said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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