*Video shows previous coverage of the Riley Strain search.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Results of an autopsy on Riley Strain were released Tuesday by Tennessee’s Chief Medical Examiner.
The toxicology report shows Strain’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
Strain’s blood alcohol level was .228 and he also had Delta 9 in his system. The autopsy report classifies Strain’s death as accidental and there were no signs of significant trauma. His exact cause of death is listed as “drowning and ethanol intoxication.”
Riley Strain disappeared while on a fraternity trip in downtown Nashville on March 8. One of his friends called 911 the next morning after saying he went to the Central Police Precinct and called the sheriff’s office to file a missing person’s report.
Authorities received a report of a body found in the river in the Nations neighborhood of West Nashville on the morning of March 22. After further investigation, the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed it was the missing 22-year-old.
During the investigation into his disappearance, investigators analyzed several bits of surveillance video from different bars and businesses showing his path through downtown Nashville.
Strain’s last phone ping was near James Robertson Parkway and Gay Street, where the search was focused for several days. Then on March 20, officials began focusing efforts at the Cheatham Lock and Dam near Ashland City. Volunteers and Strain’s family members were heavily involved in the search. It was two TikTokers who reportedly found Strain’s bank card on the riverbank days after he disappeared.
After his body was found, Strain’s father, stepfather and mother all thanked law enforcement, the community, everyone who volunteered and their loved ones back home for their support and efforts to find him.
Strain’s mother, Michelle Whiteid, spoke through tears as she also expressed her gratitude for those involved in the search for her son.
“I just want to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone and how much we appreciate everyone’s support and love and prayers because we feel them. We’ve felt every one of them,” she said. “I just ask that you mamas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please for me.”
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