Desperate Search for Missing College Student at Dam

The search for Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student who went missing in Nashville, has shifted its focus to a dam located about 40 miles from where he was last seen. This change in the search area was prompted by the discovery of Strain’s debit card on the riverbank near the Cumberland River, where he was last seen interacting with a Nashville police officer on the night of March 8. The discovery of the debit card led to a restructuring of search efforts, with the United Cajun Navy mobilizing community volunteers to assist in the search.


Key Takeaways:

  • The search for Riley Strain has expanded to include a dam 40 miles away from his last known location in Nashville.
  • The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation, with assistance from the United Cajun Navy.
  • The discovery of Strain’s debit card near the police officer’s location led to the restructuring of search efforts.
  • Despite efforts to find Strain, including closing and opening the Cheatham Dam, no significant findings have been reported.
  • The search for Strain continues, with a focus on the dam and the surrounding areas of the Cumberland River.
  • Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call Metro Nashville police at 615-862-8600.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office have been leading the investigation, utilizing helicopters, boats, and airboats to cover the Cumberland River and the surrounding areas. The MNPD shared a video of their helicopter flying over the Cheatham Dam, indicating their ongoing efforts to locate Strain.

Officers have also inspected debris that floated up to the surface of the Cheatham Dam, but no evidence related to Strain’s disappearance was found. The swift current of the river on the day of his disappearance is considered a significant factor in the search, as it could have swept Strain away.

Strain was last seen leaving a bar in downtown Nashville and briefly interacting with a police officer. His disappearance has raised concerns about potential overserving at the bar, with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission investigating the incident. However, the bar’s owners have stated that Strain was served only one alcoholic drink and two waters before being asked to leave.

The search efforts have been supported by the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster relief organization, which has provided airboats and a hovercraft for the search. The organization has been involved since the beginning of the search and has increased its efforts to assist in finding Strain.

Desperate Search for Missing College Student at Dam
Desperate Search for Missing College Student at Dam

Despite the extensive search efforts, including the inspection of the Cheatham Dam and the use of various resources by the MNPD and the United Cajun Navy, no sign of Strain has been found. The family of Riley Strain, along with law enforcement and the United Cajun Navy, continue to search the Cumberland River and the surrounding areas, hoping to locate Strain.

The case has also drawn attention to the role of community volunteers and the importance of their contributions in missing person searches. The United Cajun Navy’s involvement highlights the value of such organizations in supporting law enforcement efforts and providing additional resources for the search.

The search for Riley Strain remains ongoing, with the hope that he will be found safe. The community, including the United Cajun Navy, continues to support the search efforts, demonstrating the collective effort required in such desperate situations. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call Metro Nashville police at 615-862-8600.

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