A Tennessee private investigator aiding in the search for missing man Riley Strain in Nashville outlined the effort on Thursday, as concerned relatives continued to hope for Strain's safe return.
Strain, 22, was last seen around 10 p.m. March 8 leaving Luke's 32 Bridge Bar where he was kicked out after allegedly being overserved, according to reports. The bar, which derives its name and branding from country music star Luke Bryan, is cooperating with authorities' investigation, the restaurant group that runs it said in a statement.
The University of Missouri student told friends from his fraternity that he was heading back to their hotel, but he never arrived.
On Thursday, a self-identified licensed PI writing on X under the handle @Chloe_DXM shared photos and a short video from their search.
"There were also a lot of civilians, some even in their office attire, trying to search as they walked by," the PI wrote. "There are just endless possibilities in my mind of where he could have gone off course if it's believed he may have entered the water."
The photos show stretches of the Cumberland River shore, some thick with brush, others more developed.
"There is some fencing/ walls as you come up Gay St from Church St (where you see him on video), but some of it is broken (I do not think by him) and/or would be very low to Riley as he is very tall," the PI wrote of the 6-foot-6, 165-pound Strain.
"As you travel further down Gay towards James Robertson there's some railing to block the woods to the river, but also [in] many places there isn't anything," they continued. "Like I said yesterday there's a TON of paths the unhoused have created and many little camps about midway between the sidewalk and River."
"I do believe the people in these camps have been very helpful to family and law enforcement."
Meanwhile Thursday, Strain's family told NewsNation that they were moved by the outpouring of support while calling for people to keep it up as they hoped for Strain's safe return.
"I feel like it's what's getting us through," Strain's mother, Michelle Whiteid, told NewsNation of the support through tears. "We feel everybody's prayers. Please continue. Please continue to share his story."
