The search intensifies for a University of Missouri student missing after a night of bar hopping with friends.
Riley Strain's disappearance has ignited a desperate search effort by his family, with Nashville authorities and concerned citizens joining in the search for any trace of the young man.
University of Missouri Student Missing in Nashville
A report from the St. Louis-Post Dispatch indicated that Riley Strain, accompanied by his Delta Chi fraternity brothers for their spring formal, found himself separated from the group after being asked to leave Luke Bryan's bar, Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink, according to information shared by his family.
Chris Whiteid, Strain's stepfather, recounted the events, noting that around 9:45 p.m., Strain was requested to depart from the establishment.
Following this incident, Strain informed his friends via phone that he was heading back to his hotel, located approximately a half-mile away at Tempo Hotel.
However, upon their return to the hotel, Strain's friends discovered his room key but no sign of him. Their attempts to reach him by phone were futile as Strain's device was out of power.
Concerned, the group embarked on a search, scrutinizing his Snapchat locations and inspecting the fraternity brothers' rooms, but Strain remained elusive.
In light of the situation, Strain's parents, Michelle and Chris Whiteid, made the journey from Springfield, Missouri, to Nashville to aid in the search efforts.
Michelle Whiteid expressed her distress, emphasizing the unprecedented length of time without communication with her son, stating, "We talk every day, multiple times a day. This is the longest I've ever gone without talking to him."
Echoing her sentiments, Chris Whiteid conveyed a sense of disbelief, "We're in a bad dream. Can we wake up? Please, just let us wake up."
The University of Missouri issued a statement on Monday confirming Strain's disappearance, indicating that school authorities were notified over the weekend following his trip to Nashville to attend a private event.
The university emphasized its cooperation with Strain's family and Nashville authorities in the ongoing search efforts.
Angela King Taylor, interim vice chancellor for student affairs, reiterated the institution's commitment to the safety and well-being of its community members, extending thoughts and support to Strain's family during this challenging time.
Taylor affirmed the availability of counseling resources for those affected by Strain's disappearance, emphasizing the university's dedication to providing assistance and support to those in need.
Family's Desperate Search
Strain's parents and stepparents have been in Nashville for several days now, lending their aid to the ongoing search efforts.
Ryan Gilbert, Strain's father said, "He's a good kid. He was down here looking forward to a fun weekend. We want to bring him back home safe."
Strain is identified as a senior pursuing studies in business and interdisciplinary fields, as confirmed by the University of Missouri.
Chris Whiteid disclosed to the Post-Dispatch that based on security footage analysis, it appeared that Strain was en route to the hotel but may have taken a wrong turn. The origin of the video footage remains undisclosed.
Search operations, including an aerial search of Gay Street, the vicinity where Strain was last seen, as well as ground searches along the riverbank, yielded no results, according to authorities.
On Tuesday, authorities released security footage depicting Strain, dressed in a two-tone shirt, traversing 1st Avenue North to Gay Street at 9:47 p.m. on Friday. This route lies approximately 0.7 miles away from the bar he frequented earlier.
The TC Restaurant Group, responsible for operating Luke's 32 Bridge, stated its cooperation with law enforcement by providing security camera footage and any other pertinent information to aid in the search efforts.
Described as 6-foot-5 with a slender build, blue eyes, and light brown hair, Strain's distinctive features are being circulated to aid in his identification.
In response to Strain's disappearance, the Delta Chi fraternity released a statement on Monday, acknowledging the situation and affirming their active engagement with university officials.
The organization expressed hope for Strain's safe return, extending thoughts to his family and fellow members of the Missouri Chapter during this challenging period.
Individuals with any information regarding Strain's whereabouts are urged to contact the Metropolitan Nashville Police at (615)-862-8600.
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