University of Missouri Student Missing in Nashville After Night Out

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
13/03/2024 20h25

A 22-year-old University of Missouri student named Riley Strain has been reported missing after a night out with friends in downtown Nashville's bustling Broadway area on Friday night. Despite initial air and ground searches conducted by Nashville authorities, Strain has not been found, and law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for any information regarding his whereabouts.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Strain is described as a 6-foot-5 individual with a thin build, blue eyes, and light brown hair. He was last seen at 9:52 p.m. on Friday on Gay St., after an evening of drinking in the downtown area. His disappearance occurred following an incident at Luke's 32 Bridge, a bar owned by country singer Luke Bryan, where Strain apparently got kicked out for being overserved.

Strain's friends became concerned when they were unable to locate him using his last known Snapchat location and repeated calls to his cell phone went unanswered, only leading to his voicemail. They immediately contacted Strain's parents, who promptly traveled from Springfield, Missouri to Nashville to aid in the search efforts.

Local police conducted an extensive search of the area, including a riverbank near where Strain was last seen on video. They utilized a helicopter and ground teams to comb through the vicinity on Monday. On Tuesday, the police department released surveillance footage depicting Strain crossing a street at 9:47 p.m. on Friday while wearing a two-tone shirt.

Despite Strain's cellphone being turned off at the time authorities began investigating his disappearance, Verizon Wireless provided information that the phone's last known location was less than a mile away from a cell tower located at 19 Oldham St. Police thoroughly searched the area but did not find any trace of Strain.

Strain's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, emphasized his distinctive appearance, stating, "Riley is going to tower and stand out in a crowd. He's got a big personality and doesn't really know a stranger. He can walk up and talk to anybody." Strain's family is devastated by his disappearance, as he usually maintains regular communication with them.

Country singer Luke Bryan expressed his concern and support for Strain's safe return in an Instagram post on Tuesday. The TC Restaurant Group, responsible for operating Luke's 32 Bridge, is collaborating closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department, providing security camera footage and any other information that might assist in locating Strain.

The University of Missouri released a statement confirming that Strain was in Nashville to attend a private event. University officials are actively involved, working alongside Strain's family and the Nashville authorities in the ongoing search. Angela King Taylor, the university's interim vice chancellor for student affairs, asserted their commitment to ensuring the safety of their community and providing support to Strain's family during this distressing time.

Strain's mother, Michelle Whiteid, expressed her anguish, describing her son as "her baby" and acknowledging that his extended silence is completely out of character.

As the search continues, anyone with information about Riley Strain's whereabouts is strongly urged to come forward and assist the authorities in finding him.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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