New Developments In Riley Strain Case: Toxicology Report & Family's Legal Action

There have been a pair of developments with regards to Riley Strain, the 22-year-old who died in March after disappearing from Luke's 32 Bridge in Nashville. The first is that the toxicology report is complete. The second is the University of Missouri student’s family has hired injury lawyers to help with the next steps. It’s not clear if or how those two things are connected.

Strain’s final stop on March 8 was at Luke's 32 Bridge (named after Luke Bryan) on Broadway. The venue said he ordered one drink and a water. On March 22, his body was pulled out of the Cumberland River several miles from where he was last seen. Police say initial autopsy results show no signs of foul play.

Strain's family have been quiet in recent weeks, after a flurry of news interviews in early to mid-April. The toxicology report is expected to hold clues as to what did and what didn’t happen to the man on March 8. If he was inebriated or taking any other drugs, those would appear.

Understanding the Circumstances of Riley Strain's Disappearance

Strain and his fraternity friends hit several bars before arriving at Luke's 32 Bridge. There, he was reportedly kicked out and walked away alone, which raises questions about his state of mind and the events leading to his disappearance. Instead of heading directly to his hotel, he traveled north and east along the Cumberland River, which may have complicated his situation further.

WSMV-TV in Nashville shares that the toxicology report is done, but it will be released with the full autopsy at an unknown date and time. It’s not clear if the family got an early look and if that preview forced their next move. The Nashville-based TV station also reports that the Strain family has hired injury law firm Morgan & Morgan to "find answers and obtain justice for their son’s tragic and untimely death."

Family's Response and Ongoing Investigation

After initially appearing in lock step with Metro Nashville Police during the early stages of the investigation, Strain’s mother, father, and stepfather have begun to share separate opinions or thoughts about how their son ended up in the Cumberland River. This shift may indicate a growing concern or frustration about the investigation's progress.

When the body was recovered, he wasn’t wearing pants, which authorities said isn’t uncommon given river conditions. The family suspects he was most likely wearing a belt and wonder how his pants and boots came off. This opinion is backed up by a forensic expert who’s not connected to the case.

Insights from Witness Accounts and Family Observations

So far, no witnesses have come forward to suggest Strain was drugged. However, his mother, Michelle Whiteid, mentioned to NewsNation that she received a text a few hours before he went missing, indicating that a rum and coke tasted like barbecue. It remains unclear if he chose to drink it anyway.

Whiteid’s impression of his friends has also changed. Initially, she shared that they were emotionally devastated by what happened, but in the weeks that followed, she admitted they won’t talk to her or the family and have kept a cool distance. This distancing from his friends adds another layer of complexity to the investigation and the family’s quest for answers.

The Search for Justice

Strain's body was found several miles downstream in the Cumberland on March 22. To date, no one has been accused of or charged with any wrongdoing, leaving the family seeking clarity and closure. The toxicology report, once released, may provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

As the investigation continues, the Strain family is left grappling with their loss while advocating for accountability and clarity regarding what happened to their son. They hope that the findings from the toxicology report will shed light on their lingering questions and lead to a better understanding of the events that took place that fateful night.