Missing Missouri student: Crews search along Cumberland River for clues connected to Riley Strain’s disappearance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The family of missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain is still searching for any signs of the 22-year-old days after receiving a call that their son went missing after he was reportedly kicked out of a bar along Broadway.
On Tuesday, March 12, the family joined authorities to search along the Cumberland River, which is less than a half mile from where his phone last pinged.
WATCH: Surveillance footage of Riley Strain in downtown Nashville
So far, boats have searched along the riverbanks, trying to find any evidence that could help locate Strain. The Nashville Fire Department said the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was searching in one boat. Meanwhile, a private search crew occupied the other.
The family told News 2 that several folks have reached out to them, which makes navigating the search a bit less daunting. In fact, one of those people was Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin.
“I reached out to the family this morning. I woke up thinking about Riley and extended my offer for any support that the City of Nashville can give to them, that we’re here standing by to support and help the search efforts,” Kupin said. “I just hope that wherever he is, we find him soon, and find him safe and healthy.”
RELATED: Family searching for missing University of Missouri student last seen on Broadway
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), officers have sent up a helicopter and had detectives searching on the ground, but there have been no signs of Strain.
Now, surveillance video released by police shows one of the last times Strain was seen. Authorities said the video shows Strain crossing 1st Avenue North to Gay Street in downtown Nashville.
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Kupin said it’s inspiring to see so many people in the area pitching in to search for the missing student.
“The downtown business owners have started to share video footage with MNPD and kind of connect that all together, so we have a good network of footage to pull from in any incident,” said Kupin. “That network of footage has been used before in apprehending bad actors in situations, so it’s nice to see this group of people downtown come together, drop what they’re doing, and say, ‘We’ve got to find this guy. Let’s see what we can do to share resources for that effort.’”
News 2 reached out to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s office for comment. We were referred to the director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, Benton McDonough, who released the following statement:
As the Director of Nightlife, let me begin by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with Riley Strain and his family during this difficult time. Nashville is a great city with a vibrant nightlife and we want visitors to have a great and memorable time, but we also want them to be mindful of their surroundings. We would remind visitors to know your limits when it comes to alcohol intake, always travel in groups, and be sure you have a plan in place for returning to your hotel, whether that be by cab or rideshare. While we have plenty of officers stationed in and around the Entertainment District, it is imperative that you do not let your guard down at any point and always have a plan to take care of yourself. If you do find yourself in trouble, you should not hesitate to ask any establishment staff or police officer for help.
TC Restaurant Group sent the following statement regarding the search for Strain:
TC Restaurant Group, operator and owner of Luke’s 32 Bridge, is continuing to work closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department to provide security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search for Riley Strain. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones for his safe return.
If you see Strain or have any information about where he may be, call MNPD at 615-862-8600.
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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
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