Riley Strain’s Family Announces Funeral Plans

Kelly Avellino / WZTV FOX 17 News, Nashville / Facebook

22-Year-Old Riley Strain’s Body Was Recovered In The Cumberland River Two Weeks After He Went Missing In Nashville

Days after his body was recovered from the Cumberland River, Riley Strain’s family announced their plans for his funeral.

22-year-old Riley was a student at the University of Missouri. He traveled to Nashville with his fraternity brothers to celebrate his spring formal.

On the evening of March 8, Riley was kicked out of Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge bar on Broadway. Surveillance footage showed the young man stumbling around downtown Nashville as he attempted to return to his hotel. But he never arrived.

Riley’s friends reported him missing on March 9. Police and search crews focused on the Cumberland River, since surveillance footage last filmed Riley near the riverside.

The two-week search came to an end on Friday, May 22 when Riley’s body was recovered from the Cumberland River, about eight miles from downtown.

RELATED: METRO POLICE CHIEF SHARES DETAILS SURROUNDING RILEY STRAIN’S DISCOVERY

Initial Autopsy Raises Questions – Family Searches For Answers

An initial autopsy was conducted soon after Riley Strain’s body was recovered. The autopsy concluded that the manner of death was “accidental” and that no signs of foul play were observed.

However, the family had questions after these findings were released. For starters, the coroner who performed the autopsy told local media there was a lack of water in Riley’s lungs. The presence of water in the lungs is a typical sign of drowning.

Additionally, Riley was still wearing his Apple watch and recognizable black and white shirt when his body was recovered. But he was not wearing his pants or boots. His wallet was also missing.

Because of these puzzling details, Riley’s family has requested a second autopsy.

Riley Strain’s Obituary Lists Funeral Details – Including Visitation And Celebration Of Life

Riley Strain’s funeral details were revealed in his official obituary, shared by the Greenlawn Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.

The obituary remembered Riley for having a “vibrant spirit and loving nature.” The obituary also detailed his love for the outdoors, and how he logged 500 volunteer hours with the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

Riley’s many survivors were listed, including his parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Riley’s family revealed that a visitation will be held on Friday, March 29 from 11 AM-2 PM at the Greenlawn Funeral Home in Springfield. A Celebration of Life service will follow at the conclusion of the visitation. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

The family requested that those in attendance wear comfortable clothes in the color green, which Riley loved.

“Riley often quipped, ‘Green makes you look good.’ In that spirit, we ask attendees to wear something green and dress comfortably to honor Riley’s love of life,” the obituary read.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that those who wish to honor Riley may donate to the Missouri Department of Conservation in his memory.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Riley Strain’s loved ones during this difficult time.