NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has opened an investigation after a Missouri college student went missing from downtown Nashville while on a fraternity formal.
Surveillance video obtained by News 2 from Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop on Church Street showed 22-year-old University of Missouri senior Riley Strain walking near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Church Street when he appeared to lose his balance and fall in a parking lot. That video was captured a few moments before video released by the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) showed Strain crossing the street at the intersection of First Avenue and Gay Street, not far from where his phone was last pinged.
“I hope they find him. I understand that people drink and get a little tipsy. That’s fine, we see that often, but I’ve seen on the video that he fell to the ground. If I’d seen something like that, I would just go approach, see what’s going on, try to help him,” said Sherief Gerges, owner of Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop.
Despite Strain appearing to struggle around other patrons, his family wants to know why no one intervened or got him help.
“Why? Why didn’t somebody help? I mean, we saw cars drive by, stop beside [him],” said Chris Whiteid, Strain’s stepfather.
According to Strain’s parents, the business finance major had been at Luke’s 32 Bridge on Broadway with fraternity brothers when Strain was kicked out for being too intoxicated. His friends reportedly were not with him, his parents speculating they may have had to pay their tab first. By the time they made it out of the bar, they saw no signs of Strain.
“I wish that, number one, they would’ve just called him an Uber or cab, or, I mean, something or waited for their friends, let him wait for his friends,” said Michelle Whiteid, Strain’s mom. “And I wish that somebody on the street would have helped him, just anyone. There were so many people; somebody has to know something. He would have helped anyone.”
Police told News 2 they are still working to collect surveillance video of the area. On Wednesday, March 13, Strain’s parents said they themselves had seen limited surveillance footage. They called on Luke Bryan directly for help.
“Luke was one of the guys Riley kind of looked up to, so we would love if he could help us get video footage of what went on inside that bar and right outside of it. So, Luke, help us, please,” Chris said.
News 2 reached out to the TABC to ask about the incident. The commission released the following statement:
There are no specific rules or statutes that governs escorting out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or providing assistance in getting someone home. However, state law prohibits serving alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated. A violation is a class A misdemeanor. The TABC has opened an investigation into this matter to see if any violations have occurred.
News 2 also spoke with the director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, Benton McDonough. He encouraged visitors to always have a plan when heading downtown and to travel in groups. He mentioned there are devoted Entertainment District officers with the MNPD, in addition to the new police substation that recently opened on Broadway.
As the Director of Nightlife, let me begin by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with Riley Strain and his family during this difficult time. Nashville is a great city with a vibrant nightlife and we want visitors to have a great and memorable time, but we also want them to be mindful of their surroundings. We would remind visitors to know your limits when it comes to alcohol intake, always travel in groups, and be sure you have a plan in place for returning to your hotel, whether that be by cab or rideshare. While we have plenty of officers stationed in and around the Entertainment District, it is imperative that you do not let your guard down at any point and always have a plan to take care of yourself. If you do find yourself in trouble, you should not hesitate to ask any establishment staff or police officer for help.
Benton McDonough, director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife
Anyone with information on Strain’s whereabouts is asked to call the MNPD at 615-862-8600.
