Riley Strain's Stepfather Says 'Somebody Helped Him In The Water'

Riley Strain's family is still not convinced that their son's case does not include foul play, as his stepfather now claims he didn't fall into the river without help.

The University of Missouri student was last seen on March 8 in downtown Nashville after being allegedly kicked out of Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge. His friends returned to the hotel in the middle of the night, but could not find their frat brother. It wasn't until the next day that they contacted law enforcement.

Riley's body was found 14 days later, on March 22, in Cumberland River about 8 miles from where he was last seen.

The missing person's case began around 9:45 p.m. on March 8, when Riley Strain was reportedly kicked out of Luke Bryan‘s bar in Nashville, Tennessee. At 9:46 p.m., surveillance footage showed Riley stumbling in a parking lot at 3rd Avenue and Church Street.

Then, at 9:47 p.m., Strain was seen crossing 1st Avenue North to Gay Street.

A few moments later, Riley was caught on a police body camera talking to an officer for a brief conversation. That was the last footage that captured the student alive.

Following the discovery, Riley's stepfather, Chris Whiteid, stated, “We're quite thankful for everything that you've done for our family. The grace that you've given us, it means a lot, more than you'll ever know.”

Following the discovery, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake said, "They removed something from the river, and as they moved it, they noticed Mr. Strain and called it in."

While the theory is Riley was intoxicated and fell in the water as police say there is no indication of foul play, his family is convinced otherwise.

“If he truly fell in the water, and you can prove that to me, show me,” his stepfather, Chris Whiteid, told NewsNation. “I’ll accept it. But I can tell you from all the stuff that we’ve done as far as searching, looking, taking pictures — I don’t feel like it’s really possible to happen. He may have fallen. Somebody helped him in the water.”

According to the family's spokesperson, the medical examiner who performed that autopsy said there was a "lack of water" in Riley's lungs. Still, "there's no evidence of any foul play" according to Dr. Michael Baden. "The history is that he had been in a bar. The bartender says they only gave him one drink, but that's up to the toxicology report."

Riley's stepfather also claimed that Strain would likely have struck his head or sustained other injuries had he fallen directly into the water.

“No cuts or scrapes or anything serious like that,” he told the outlet. The family has ordered a second autopsy, and his toxicology results aren’t complete yet.

The TC Restaurant Group, which oversees Luke Bryan’s bar, claims that the establishment only served Riley one alcoholic beverage that evening.

“During Riley’s visit to Luke’s 32 Bridge, our records show he purchased and was served one alcoholic drink and two waters," the statement read. "At 9:35 p.m., our security team made a decision based on our conduct standards to escort him from the venue through our Broadway exit at the front of our building."

The establishment added, "He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs.”

According to a text message Riley's mom said she received from her son that evening, the drink Riley was served at Luke Bryan's bar allegedly tasted funny.

After police discovered Riley Strain's body, Delta Chi, the fraternity Riley was in, released a statement.

"The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our esteemed fraternity brother, Riley Strain. Our hearts go out to Riley’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as we work to provide support and resources to all those affected by this tragedy," the fraternity stated.

"The Fraternity’s Campus Assistance Program, which provides in-person resources and professional support, is available to our members 24/7 as they navigate through this challenging time. Additionally, we are working closely with University of Missouri authorities to ensure our local chapter members have direct access to campus support resources," Delta Chi added.

The Blast will continue to report on any new details regarding the Riley Strain case.