In a tragic turn of events, the body of University of Missouri student Riley Strain, who had been missing for two weeks, was discovered in the Cumberland River in West Nashville on Friday. The Metropolitan Nashville Police confirmed the recovery of his body approximately 8 miles from downtown.

According to authorities, there was no evidence of foul play, but an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death. The sad discovery was made by a worker from a nearby company who was clearing debris from the shoreline. They spotted a body floating in the water near 61st Avenue North and immediately notified the authorities.

The fire department swiftly responded to the scene and successfully retrieved the body from the water. Police Chief John Drake later confirmed that the deceased individual matched the description of the missing 22-year-old student. Strain was found wearing the same shirt, watch, and other identifiable items that initially led investigators to believe they had located him.

Strain had been on a trip to Nashville with his fraternity brothers from Delta Chi when he went missing. On March 8, after being escorted out of country star Luke Bryan's honky-tonk bar, Luke's 32 Bridge, due to his behavior, Strain separated from his friends and was last seen crossing Gay Street on surveillance footage.

One Nashville police officer, Reginald Young, had briefly interacted with Strain on Gay Street that evening. Young reported that Strain appeared to be in no distress during their short conversation. Witnesses also claimed to have seen a "very, very intoxicated" Strain almost fall into the river from a nearby trail.

The search for Strain intensified over the course of the two weeks, with authorities following phone pings and reviewing surveillance footage. Earlier this week, a bank card in Strain's name was discovered on the riverbank. However, it had not been used since his disappearance.

Sadly, on Friday, the search came to a heartbreaking end when Strain's body was found. As news of the discovery spread, the United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit organization that aids in search and rescue missions, expressed their condolences and thanked all who had offered their assistance.

Delta Chi Fraternity, to which Strain belonged, issued a statement expressing their deep sadness and offering support to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Strain's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, and his mother, Michelle Whiteid, who had expressed hope for a different outcome earlier in the week, could not be reached for comment.

The investigation into Riley Strain's death continues, and authorities are working to provide closure to his grieving family.