COLUMBIA —The University of Missouri is mourning the loss of 22-year-old Riley Strain, a student at the school.
Strain, a who went missing in Nashville for nearly two weeks, was found dead in a river, police announced Friday. No foul play is suspected, investigators said.
In a statement from the University, President Mun Choi wrote:
"Dear campus community, I write to you with a heavy heart with the news that the search for MU student Riley Strain has ended tragically. After an exhaustive search by authorities and volunteers, Riley’s body was recovered today in Nashville, Tenn., where he had traveled to attend his fraternity’s spring formal event."
"The university is equipped to assist you as you process this loss. Students can contact the MU Counseling Center for support. Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program is available to faculty and staff."
"The safety of our community is our highest priority, whether on campus or off campus. If you feel unsafe at any time, please call the MU Police Department at 573-882-7201 or dial 911 in the event of any emergency."
"As the Mizzou community mourns Riley, we are keeping his family in our thoughts and offering support."
Metro Nashville police officials confirmed that Strain's body had been recovered from the Cumberland River about 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) west of downtown at around 7:30 a.m.
Police Chief John Drake told reporters that workers on the river initially found Strain's body and alerted authorities. Medical examiners later confirmed it was Strain, he said. Police department spokesperson Don Aaron said an autopsy will be conducted Saturday.
“We have reports that normally under these circumstances ... with his height and weight, he could have surfaced between 14 and 20 days,” Drake said. “This is the 14th day. So we were really expecting to find him.”
Police previously said Strain, 22, was last seen just before 10 p.m. on March 8 after drinking downtown. A massive search was quickly launched, with just small clues available to help investigators trying to find him, including finding his bank card along a riverbank and using surveillance footage to track his final moments.
University of Missouri officials said in a statement that Strain was traveling to Nashville to attend a private event.
Members of Strain’s family offered their thanks for everyone’s help and support during remarks to reporters Friday in Nashville.
“I just ask that you mommas out there, hug your babies tight tonight please,” his mother, Michelle Whiteid, said through tears. “Please, for me, just hug your babies tight tonight. And again, thank you. Thank you for sharing our story.”
Drake said that his “heart and prayers" were going to Strain's family “for this very unfortunate and tragic accident.”