Rescue group in Riley Strain search previously sought missing Cameron Robbins in shark-infested waters
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Rescue efforts for missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain have received a significant boost from the same organization that previously attempted to locate Cameron Robbins, who disappeared in shark-infested waters.
United Cajun Navy, a search-and-rescue nonprofit, announced on Tuesday, March 19, its involvement in the mysterious case of Strain, last seen near the Cumberland River in Nashville on March 8.
“Our main focus is to find Riley,” David Flagg, the national director for the United Cajun Navy, said alongside Strain's family. “I would encourage any volunteers to please come under the umbrella of the United Cajun Navy Search.”
Who was Cameron Robbins?
The organization, known for responding to natural disasters and disappearances nationwide, brings expertise gained from previous cases, including the search for 18-year-old Robbins.
He vanished in May 2023 after jumping off a cruise ship in the Bahamas on a dare. Despite extensive search efforts, Robbins' body was never found, leaving his disappearance shrouded in tragedy.
“Had they found a piece of clothing or any kind of clue, that would cause them to extend that 48-hour period, but if they don’t get any kind of indication then that’s usually when they call it off,” said United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher.
“It took a lot of strength for them to go out there and stay for a few days,” Trascher said of the family, who traveled to assist with the search. “When we offered to take them out in a boat to the area where he went overboard and some of the area they were searching … They went, which I know had to be very emotional for them, but they went,” reported New York Post.
Timeline of Riley Strain's disappearance
In Strain's case, the 6-foot-7 college student went missing while visiting Nashville with his fraternity. Reports indicate he was asked to leave country superstar Luke Bryan’s bar, 'Luke’s 32 Bridge', for intoxication before his disappearance near the Cumberland River.
Nashville PD releases surveillance footage showing missing 22-year-old Mizzou student Riley Strain. It's timestamped at 9:47 PM on Friday, March 8. Strain is stumbling through the intersection. This is believed to be the last time he was seen either on camera or in-person. pic.twitter.com/22WeN3axTL
— Lauren Barnas (@laurenbarnastv) March 12, 2024
Police found Strain's bank card in the vicinity, and a homeless individual reported seeing him intoxicated near the riverbank on the night he vanished.
Anyone with information about Riley’s disappearance is asked to call police at 615-862-8600.
