NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Results from the autopsy of Riley Strain were released by the Tennessee's Chief Medical Examiner on Tuesday, June 18.
The toxicology report shows Strain's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
Strain's blood alcohol level was .228 and he also had Delta 9 in his system. The autopsy report classifies Strain's death as accidental and there were no signs of significant trauma. His exact cause of death is listed as "drowning and ethanol intoxication."
"Nobody needs to go through what we've had to go through," Chris Whiteid, Riley Strain's stepfather, said. "The way that we've had to go through it."
In a previous interview, Strain's stepfather said he believed there was more to the story resulting in Strain's death.
"If he fell and truly fell in the water and you can prove that to me, show me," Chris expressed. "I'll accept it."
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released a statement Tuesday, which explained Strain's missing persons case has officially been closed.
Riley Strain disappeared while on a fraternity trip in downtown Nashville on March 8. One of his friends called 911 the next morning after saying he went to the Central Police Precinct and called the sheriff’s office to file a missing person’s report.
Authorities received a report of a body found in the river in the Nations neighborhood of West Nashville on the morning of Friday, March 22. After further investigation, the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed it was the missing 22-year-old.
During the investigation into his disappearance, investigators analyzed several bits of surveillance video from different bars and businesses showing his path through downtown Nashville.
Strain’s last phone ping was near James Robertson Parkway and Gay Street, where the search was focused for several days. Then, on Wednesday, March 20, officials began focusing efforts at the Cheatham Lock and Dam near Ashland City. Volunteers and Strain’s family members were heavily involved in the search. It was two TikTokers who reportedly found Strain’s bank card on the riverbank days after he disappeared.
Since Strain's disappearance, friends, family and strangers have worked together to prevent another death.
"Our hearts broke," Father Jim Sichko, Papal Missionary of Mercy for Pope Francis told News 2. "Here was a young, vibrant individual, and we all felt, what can we do?"
Over 27,000 people have signed the 'Riley's Act' petition asking bar staff to help intoxicated people get a safe ride home.
There have also been efforts to create a guard rail along Gay Street at the Cumberland River.
"Departments are already hard at work on this," Jacob Kupin, Metro Council Member District 19 said. "NDOT and Parks have already looked along that Gay Street connector as far as what would it cost to put up some more fencing. And we are already looking at steps as the resolution calls for some short-term changes as well."
After his body was found, Strain’s father, stepfather and mother all thanked law enforcement, the community, everyone who volunteered and their loved ones back home for their support and efforts to find him.
Strain’s mother, Michelle Whiteid, spoke through tears as she also expressed her gratitude for those involved in the search for her son.
“I just want to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone and how much we appreciate everyone’s support and love and prayers because we feel them. We’ve felt every one of them,” she said. “I just ask that you mamas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please, for me.”