The Riley Strain autopsy report, released today by the Medical Examiner, confirms that the 22-year-old died due to accidental drowning and ethyl alcohol intoxication. This finding supports the conclusions of the investigation performed by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) missing person detectives. The department has now officially classified Strain’s death as accidental.
According to the MNPD’s investigation, Strain consumed multiple alcoholic drinks at various establishments after arriving in Nashville with friends on March 8. He later became separated from his friends and appeared noticeably impaired as he walked onto Gay Street adjacent to the Cumberland River that night. Detectives concluded that Strain, unfamiliar with Gay Street and the steep embankment leading to the river, did not recognize the terrain conditions in the dark. As a result, he stepped toward the overgrown area, fell down the embankment, and into the water. Recent rains had caused the river to rise significantly, resulting in a swift current that night. Strain’s body was discovered in the river in West Nashville on the morning of March 22, several miles from Gay Street.
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The MNPD continues to extend its heartfelt condolences to Riley Strain’s family and friends.
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Accidental Drowning in Percy Priest Lake
A man in his 30s from the Republic of Colombia drowned in Percy Priest Lake near the Hamilton Creek boat ramp. He was with friends who initially thought he was joking when he struggled in the water. Rescue crews recovered his body at 2:35 p.m., and efforts are ongoing to notify his next of kin.