Private investigator hired by Riley Strain's family reveals major updates surrounding his death

A private investigator hired by Riley Strain's family has shared information from their 'completed' investigation.

University of Missouri student, Riley Strain went missing on March 8, having been last seen in downtown Nashville, US.

The 22-year-old's body was later confirmed as having been discovered in a river on 22 March and his autopsy resolved that his death was accidental - with the student said to have died from 'alcohol poisoning and drowning'.

However, Riley's family weren't convinced and so hired a private investigator, who's since revealed their findings.

Private investigator Steve Fischer took to X on July 9 to reveal he's 'completed' his investigation into 'the tragic death of Riley Strain'.

While noting he isn't able to disclose his determination or the 281-page report's contents - which also includes a '49-minute video presentation containing important pieces of surveillance footage from the evening of Riley's disappearance - as it's up to Riley's family what they do with the contents, Fischer shares 'a few general observations' regarding the investigation.

He explains: "These points are based on public information and are not detailed comments from the report but are meant to help the public understand the context."

And some of his observations contradict previous reports.

Riley Strain left a bar in Nashville on 8 March on his own (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)

Fischer delves into the '104 hours of surveillance video' footage from 'more than 20 cameras' which 'track' Riley's movements on the evening of March 8 'from dinner until 9:59pm'.

The private investigator's 'general observations which are not a matter of public record,' include when Riley was inside Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink in downtown Nashville and 'visible on video the entire time', including 'when he is asked to leave'.

Fischer continues: "He is in a different area of the bar from his friends (except for one), and the group is unaware of what is happening. The friend who witnessed Riley being thrown out tried to diffuse the situation but was unsuccessful.

"By the time this friend was able to get to the other side of the rooftop where the group is and inform the others, Riley was already outside the bar, but they did try to catch up to him.

"Contrary to reports, Riley did not try to enter two other bars. He did attempt to re-enter Luke's but was denied entry."

Riley's family hired a private investigator (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)

Fischer reports Riley continuing 'along his route without encountering anyone' in downtown Nashville.

"No person approaches him and no vehicles approach him," Fischer said.

He clarifies 'initial witness reports were incorrect' - adding this 'is common in many cases' - continuing: "At 9:58 PM, Riley is alone under the bridge. Two homeless individuals are seen more than 30 yards away - one in a wheelchair and asleep, the other not looking in Riley's direction.

"No vehicles are under the bridge except the police car that captured the image at 9:58 via dash cam

"[...] It was a different individual who stumbled into the homeless encampment around 1:30 AM, causing confusion.

"The homeless in the area were essentially told what time certain events happened and they went along with that timeline but it was an incorrect timeline and that is proven by video surveillance."

Fischer explains his report not only contains 'detailed analysis of extensive surveillance footage' and 'over a dozen witness interviews' but also tests from the scene, an interview with pathologists, examination of medical reports, consultations with specialists and discussions with police.

The private investigator noted they 'waited until all other agencies completed their reports before releasing [their's] to the family' and added the report is 'a lot to rehash' and 'the accompanying video will undoubtedly be hard to watch' so Riley's family 'may decide not to read [the] report at this time'.

Riley was studying at the University of Missouri (Metropolitan Nashville Police Department)

Fischer resolved: "I have tried to be as thorough as possible to help provide them with some peace of mind. I also felt a responsibility to answer questions when I could, especially when the information I was releasing was already public or when I felt individuals were needlessly being hurt by misinformation.

"I know with 100 percent certainty that nobody intended to accuse or spread misinformation—everything was done in the spirit of helping Riley and his family. If and when certain videos are released by the media or otherwise, I may comment.

"For now, I extend my sincere condolences to Riley's family and friends. I learned that Riley was a remarkable young man with many people who loved him. I wish I could take away their pain. I honor them with love and wish them peace. This concludes my investigation."

UNILAD has contacted Nashville Police Department for comment.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.