Autopsy reveals 'no apparent signs of foul play' in Riley Strain's death, cops say tragedy is accidental

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Authorities have announced that Riley Strain's death "continues to appear accidental" nearly a week after his body was discovered. "The preliminary autopsy showed no apparent signs of foul play and his death continues to appear accidental," Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesperson Kristin Mumford said in a statement on Thursday, March 28. 

While addressing the state of the corpse, Mumford noted that the 22-year-old University of Missouri student had been in the water for two weeks before his remains were found. 

MNPD spokesperson says it is not 'unusual' to lose clothing in water

"It is not unusual for persons recovered from bodies of water to lose articles of clothing," Mumford said, noting that "he was recovered wearing his shirt." Mumford said toxicology is pending, but there was "no foul play-related trauma." An autopsy report will be completed by the medical examiner once all testing has been completed, reports People.

When was Riley Strain reported missing?

On March 8, Riley Strain was reported missing after he was out in Nashville with his Delta Chi fraternity members for the group's annual formal. Tragically, his body was found after two weeks of extensive search, approximately eight miles from downtown Nashville.

The harrowing 911 call after Riley Strain's body was found

On Monday, March 25, the 911 call was released, detailing the moments after the caller, who works at building material company Holcim, found the body in the river off 61st Avenue North. “I have just found a dead body. I believe it to be Riley,” the caller told the dispatcher in audio. 

According to a statement on March 15 by the TC Restaurant Group, Strain had been asked to leave Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Luke Bryan's restaurant and bar, on the night he went missing. 

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

"At 9.35 pm, 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,” their statement read, adding “He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs.”

Strain's family has announced that a celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 29, in Missouri, according to his obituary. Attendees are being asked to wear "something green and dress comfortably to honor Riley’s love of life." "Riley often quipped, 'Green makes you look good,'"read the obituary.

"Riley Strain's presence will be profoundly missed," the message read, adding, "but his joyous approach to life and the happiness he brought to those around him will forever be remembered."