Riley Strain Case: Luke Bryan and More Celebrity Bars Cleared of Wrongdoing

Riley Strain’s Body Is Found

At 7:28 a.m. on March 22, a local worker called police to report seeing a body in the Cumberland River in Western Nashville, Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said at a press conference later that day.

The Davidson County Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified Riley, but his black and white shirt and other identifiable objects on the body, including a watch, also indicated it was him, according to the chief.

“I want to say to the family, my heart and prayers go out to you all for this very unfortunate and tragic incident,” the chief said. “I also want to say thank you to the Nashville community and the outpouring of support from the community in trying to help us locate Mr. Strain.”

Factoring in his height and weight, investigators had estimated when and where Riley’s body might surface if he’d gone into the river. “This is the 14th day,” the chief explained, “so we were really expecting anytime soon to find him. So we were in the right spot. It’s just unfortunate.”

He said there was “no other evidence to suggest anything other than” that Riley fell into the river.

Riley’s dad, mom and stepfather all wore green, his favorite color, to police headquarters that afternoon, according to WKRN. 

Speaking to reporters, Michelle said, “I just ask that you mommas out there, hug your babies tight tonight please. Please, for me, just hug your babies tight tonight. And again, thank you, thank you for sharing our story.”