Current:Home > FinanceSafeX Pro Exchange|Two weeks later: The hunt for missing Mizzou student Riley Strain in Nashville -SecureWealth Bridge
SafeX Pro Exchange|Two weeks later: The hunt for missing Mizzou student Riley Strain in Nashville
Poinbank View
Date:2025-04-11 06:50:02
Friday marks two weeks since a University of Missouri college senior vanished under the cover night in downtown Nashville.
Riley Strain,SafeX Pro Exchange 22, disappeared March 8 after being kicked out of a bar along Lower Broadway in Music City's entertainment district known as honky-tonk row.
So far, there has been no indication of foul play in the missing person's case, Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Brooke Reece told USA TODAY on Thursday.
This week, body camera footage was released, with a portion showing Strain’s brief interaction with a Metro police officer the day he vanished, The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network reported.
On Thursday, Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron told USA TODAY Strain "visited several establishments in the area that Friday afternoon and evening."
Missing Wisconsin toddler:Elijah Vue's blanket found as monthlong search continues
Boats with sonar scouring Cumberland River
The police department is handling the missing person investigation with help from Nashville Office of Emergency Management and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Now in its second week, the search lead authorities to find Strain’s bank card on the embankment of the Cumberland River, a major waterway of the South which weaves through downtown Nashville and eventually flows back north into Kentucky.
The US Army Corps of Engineers shut a damn off in the river on Wednesday and boats equipped with sonar were in the water on Thursday searching for Riley, Aaron said.
“The parked barges collect debris around them, so we are going through the barge debris fields as well as keeping an eye on the river,” Aaron said.
The Cheatham County Sheriff's Office, directly west of Davidson County where Nashville is located, is also assisting with the missing persons case, Reece said, because MNPD's river coverage stops at the county line.
So far, Nashville Crime Stoppers has received more than 160 tips regarding his possible whereabouts.
“Some theories, some thoughts,” Aaron said.
Additional enlisted help from United Cajun Navy
During a Tuesday press conference in Nashville, Strain's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, announced his family had enlisted help from the United Cajun Navy to find him.
While Whiteid said Strain's family is grateful for the help from local police and volunteers, more aide is needed "to bring Riley home," The Tennessean reported.
“(United Cajun Navy) is an extra resource for us,” Whiteid said at the press conference. “We’re 10-11 days into this… As the days drag on, we are frustrated. We know (Metro Police) are doing their jobs.”
Strain's mother also spoke briefly during the news conference, video footage provided by The Tennessean shows.
"He's my best friend, my everything," Michelle Strain Whiteid, said through tears as she held her husband's arm.
College professor found dead:Virginia university professor found dead after being reported missing at Florida conference
'No closer to finding Riley'
In another development this week, Chris Dingman, a family friend reported the last known communication Strain had was a text message he sent to a woman he was talking to.
“She texted him to see how he was doing... if he was having fun. He sent kind of a scripted text back to her saying ‘Good (what appears to read the word luck),'” Dingman said during an interview Monday on NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports.”
"We're no closer to finding Riley.... We've even reached out to the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) for help," Dingman said during the interview. "How does a 6'5'', 6'6'', blonde hair, blue-eyed guy disappear? We just want Riley home. He’s a great kid.”
On Thursday, Reece told USA TODAY the TBI is not involved in the hunt.
More volunteers needed
David Flagg, director of operations for the United Cajun Navy, said while his organization largely responds to natural disasters, it also supports missing persons cases.
“I would encourage any volunteers who have been here to please come under the umbrella of the United Cajun Navy search,” Flagg said.
Anyone with information about Riley's whereabouts is asked to call Nashville police.
Contributing: Tennessean reporters Kirsten Fiscus, Craig Shoup and Tyler Palmateer
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (2)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- FBI report: Violent crime decreases to pre-pandemic levels, but property crime is on the rise
- Jack Trice Stadium in Iowa remains only major college football stadium named for a Black man
- See Lisa Rinna's Horrifying Return to TV After Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Exit
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Russia’s assault on a key eastern Ukraine city is weakening, Kyiv claims, as the war marks 600 days
- Norway’s prime minister shuffles Cabinet after last month’s local election loss
- What is the 'healthiest' Halloween candy? Don't get tricked by these other treats.
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- RHONY's Jessel Taank Claps Back at Costars for Criticizing Her Sex Life
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Athlete-mothers juggle priorities as they prepare to compete at the Pan American Games in Chile
- UN will repatriate 9 South African peacekeepers in Congo accused of sexual assault
- Top US envoy will return to Israel after stops in Arab nations aimed at avoiding a broader conflict
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Daniel Noboa, political neophyte and heir to fortune, wins presidency in violence-wracked Ecuador
- Alex Rodriguez Shares Rare Insight into Romance With Girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro
- RHONY's Jessel Taank Claps Back at Costars for Criticizing Her Sex Life
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Lake Erie breaks world record for most waterspouts in a 24-hour period, researchers say
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's NYC Takeover Continues With Stylish Dinner Date
What is saffron? A beneficial, tasty, and pricey spice
Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
Afghanistan earthquake relief efforts provided with $12 million in U.S. aid
Q&A: After its Hottest Summer On Record, Phoenix’s Mayor Outlines the City’s Future
Arizona tribe protests decision not to prosecute Border Patrol agents who fatally shot Raymond Mattia