Nashville, Tennessee residents are on high alert as a search for 22-year-old college student Riley Strain continues. Strain, a student at the University of Missouri, was visiting Nashville on a fraternity trip when he went missing last Friday. Police have been tirelessly searching for Strain, while also investigating claims that he may have been overserved at Luke Bryan’s bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, the night he disappeared.
The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has opened an investigation into the matter, searching for any potential violations of state laws regarding serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. The commission stated that violations are considered a class A misdemeanor, and they are working to determine if any violations occurred at the bar.
Police initially suggested that Strain may have been overserved at the bar before he went missing. Surveillance footage from Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop showed Strain stumbling through the streets near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Church Street.
Another camera caught him near the intersection of Gay Street and 1st Avenue North, stumbling and taking large strides with his head down. His stepfather, Chris Whiteid, believes Strain may have become disoriented after being kicked out of the bar and may have wandered in the wrong direction.
Despite efforts from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management, Strain has not been found. Police have attempted to locate his phone and Apple Watch data, but have not been successful. They also checked local hospitals and jails with no luck. Strain’s parents have hired a private investigation firm to assist in the search, and there have been reports from a friend that Strain was spotted by homeless individuals in the area of his last known location.
Country singer Luke Bryan, owner of the bar where Strain was last seen, has spoken out about the incident, expressing his prayers for Strain’s safe return. He also stated that the bar is working closely with the Metro Nashville Police Department and providing security camera footage and any other potentially helpful information to aid in the search.
Nashville PD provided an update on Thursday, stating that they are still working through tips and are prepared to bring in state or federal help if needed. Strain’s family has described this as a nightmare ordeal, and his mother, Michelle Whiteid, has said that her son is normally very communicative, making his disappearance even more concerning.
The University of Missouri has also released a statement, saying they are in contact with Strain’s family and authorities in Nashville and offering support to anyone in need. They are urging anyone with information on Strain’s whereabouts to come forward and are working to ensure the safety of their community.
As the search for Strain continues, the Nashville community and his family are holding out hope for his safe return. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing Strain home.
The TABC investigation into possible violations at the bar will also continue, with the safety of patrons being a top priority. Any updates on the investigation or Strain’s whereabouts will be reported as they become available.
