'It means a lot': Riley Strain's family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who assisted in his 2-week long search

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Riley Strain’s family, including his mother, broke silence following the tragic death of the 22-year-old college student’s death.

The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed on Friday, March 22, that the University of Missouri student’s body had been found in the Cumberland River, about eight miles west of downtown.

Strain's family thanked everyone who assisted in the two-week search for their missing loved one during a press conference that same day. Chris Whiteid, Strain’s stepdad, said the experience has “been an emotional roller-coaster” for the family.

“We're quite thankful for everything that you've done for our family,” Chris added. “The grace that you've given us, it means a lot, more than you'll ever know.”

Riley Strain’s mother Michelle Whiteid expressed gratefulness for those who helped locate her son

Michelle Whiteid, Strain's mother, also expressed gratefulness for those who helped locate her son. "I just ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please," she added, per New York Post. "Please, for me."

Riley Strain was last seen by friends on March 8 at a bar on Broadway

The Delta Chi fraternity member was last seen by his friends at a bar on Broadway on March 8, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department previously said.

The Mizzou student was asked to leave Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Luke Bryan's restaurant and bar, according to a previous statement from TC Restaurant Group, which oversees Bryan’s establishment. 

“During Riley’s visit to Luke’s 32 Bridge, our records show he purchased and was served one alcoholic drink and two waters," the statement read.

"At 9:35 p.m., our security team made a decision based on our conduct standards to escort him from the venue through our Broadway exit at the front of our building. He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs,” it continued.

Strain had apparently traveled to Tennessee with the group for their annual formal, Strain's stepfather previously said.

During the search, surveillance video of Strain walking near the bar surfaced and his bank card was found on an embankment of the river on March 17.

The same night, Nashville police also showed the family video surveillance of Strain walking near a bridge, which was never released to the public, to help piece together his path, as per his loved ones.

Riley Strain's sudden disappearance took a huge toll on his family

In a press conference on Tuesday, March 19, just days before his body was found, Strain’s family and friends shared an update on the toll the search had taken on them. Chris acknowledged to the media that the situation was challenging, but the family believed authorities were "doing their job."

At the press conference on Friday, March 22, Chris said they did their best to handle the situation “with as much grace and poise” as possible, but admitted that it was “hard” at times.

He went on to thank the people of Nashville for "the hugs, the prayers, the offers" and all of the help they received from the community during the two-week search. "You don't understand how much that meant to us in some of our darkest hours," he said.

Ryan Gilbert, Strain’s father, also thanked the police and the US Cajun Navy for their work on the case earlier in the press conference. “It's just unbelievable what they've done for us,” he added.

Delta Chi and the University of Missouri released statements about Riley Strain’s death

Delta Chi and the University of Missouri released statements about Strain’s death following its confirmation on Friday, March 22.

"Our hearts go out to Riley's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as we work to provide support and resources to all those affected by this tragedy," the fraternity said in a written statement.

"As the Mizzou community mourns Riley, we are keeping his family in our thoughts and offering support," the university said.

As of now, police say that there does not appear to be any "foul play-related trauma," and his death appeared to be accidental. Detectives are still awaiting toxicology reports, according to NBC News.