Search for Missing University Student Riley Strain Shifts Focus to Cheatham Dam

Search for missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain shifts to Cheatham Dam in Cumberland River, Nashville. 

On March 8, 2024, Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri student, went missing in Nashville, Tennessee. His disappearance prompted an extensive search effort by authorities and community volunteers.

Shift in Focus

Initially, efforts were concentrated along the section of the Cumberland River downtown. However, the focus shifted to the Cheatham Dam, located approximately 40 miles away from central Nashville. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, along with the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office, intensified their efforts in this new area.

Aerial Search

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department utilized helicopters to conduct aerial searches over the Cumberland River and the vicinity of the Cheatham Dam. A video captured from one of the helicopters was shared by the police department to aid in the search.

Collaborative Operations

Nashville police and the Cheatham County Sheriff's Office collaborated on downriver operations. Both law enforcement agencies were supported by the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer disaster relief organization contributing to the search for Strain.

Dam Inspection

Authorities took the step of shutting down the dam to inspect any debris that might be linked to Strain's disappearance. Despite their thorough efforts, no evidence related to Strain was found during the inspection.

Swift River Current

David Flagg, the director of operations for the United Cajun Navy, highlighted the swift current of the river on the day Strain went missing, suggesting the possibility that he may have fallen into the river and been carried away.

Search Efforts

Ground searches, boat patrols, and aerial reconnaissance have been part of the extensive search for Strain. The community mobilized, with individual volunteers joining the efforts coordinated by the United Cajun Navy.

New Discovery

More than a week after Strain's disappearance, two community members found his debit card on the riverbank near the location where he had interacted with a Nashville police officer on the night he vanished. This discovery led to a restructured approach in the search efforts.

Family's Response

Riley Strain's parents, Michelle Whiteid and Chris Whiteid, have been in Nashville throughout the search. Chris Whiteid expressed the family's growing apprehension as time passes, acknowledging the difficult conversations they are beginning to have.

Grim Outlook

Chris Whiteid shared his family's acknowledgment of the potential worst-case scenario, reflecting the challenging reality they are confronting amidst the ongoing search for their son.

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