The body of 22-year-old Riley Strain, a missing University of Missouri student, was discovered in the Cumberland River in Nashville, sparking discussions about the role of online sleuths in the search.
The search for 22-year-old University of Missouri student Riley Strain ended in tragedy when his body was discovered in the Cumberland River on 22nd March, following his disappearance on 8th March in Nashville. Strain went missing after leaving country singer Luke Bryan’s bar, having been escorted out and becoming separated from his friends. In the days following, his last known location was near the river, leading to extensive search efforts which included law enforcement, air and dive teams, and his family.
Security footage captured Strain in a disoriented state walking away from his hotel shortly before his disappearance. The investigation into his final moments continues, with police stating they do not believe foul play was involved. The case drew considerable attention, partly due to the involvement of online amateur sleuths and the TikTok community, including users Brandy Baenen and Anna Clendening who discovered Strain’s bank card near the river.
The role of online detectives has sparked discussion about the balance between helping and potentially hindering investigations. While some family members appreciate the awareness and leads generated from such online communities, concerns remain about the implications of public involvement in sensitive cases. Strain’s tragic death and the circumstances leading up to it have left a community in mourning, as further details are awaited from ongoing investigations.
