NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The final chapter of the investigation into Riley Strain's death has come to a close.
News 2 obtained the final results of Strain's autopsy on Thursday, June 27, which found no evidence that Nashville bars overserved Strain.
While the circumstances of Mr. Strain's death are tragic, the TABC investigation into whether he was served alcohol while visibly intoxicated on the night of March 8, 2024, did not result in any concrete evidence in the form of eyewitness testimony or video proof of a violation.
Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Strain's toxicology report, released by the state's Chief Medical Examiner, showed that Strain's blood alcohol levels were more than twice the legal limit. His blood alcohol level was 0.228, and he also had Delta 9 in his system.
The autopsy report released earlier this month classified Strain’s death as accidental, saying there were no signs of significant trauma. His exact cause of death was listed as “drowning and ethanol intoxication.”
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 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 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.
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.