Riley Strain's Parents Optimistic About Finding Son Who ‘Stands Out in a Crowd’

Riley Strain disappearance parents optimism finding son

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 18, 05:11 am

Photo: (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images )

Riley Strain's mother and stepfather maintain hope that they will eventually locate their 22-year-old son, a senior at the University of Missouri, who has been missing since March 8.

Riley Strain's Parents Comforted by Community and Volunteers

Strain's bank card was discovered on Sunday near the riverbank where he was last seen, potentially providing a clue to aid in the search.

Despite facing a difficult situation, the outpouring of support from the community and volunteer efforts have been a source of comfort for Chris and Michelle Whiteid. The couple arrived in Nashville on March 9 to investigate after Strain was escorted out of a bar downtown.

Riley Strain, a senior at the University of Missouri, vanished during a trip with his fraternity for a spring formal. Security footage shows him leaving the bar and subsequently walking in a different direction from his hotel.

The search for Strain includes ground, air, and riverbank efforts. The Whiteids express gratitude for the support from volunteer organizations and remain hopeful for his safe return, describing Riley as a charismatic and outgoing individual who is deeply connected with his family.

Missing University of Missouri Student's Parents Committed To Find Him

The parents of University of Missouri student Riley Strain have affirmed their commitment to the search, even though more than a week has passed since the college senior disappeared.

Strain was last seen on March 8 at Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink bar in Nashville during a fraternity trip but was asked to leave the establishment.

"We're still actively planning to bring Riley home with us," said Chris Whiteid, Strain's stepfather, in an interview on March 16. Whiteid expressed that the lack of updates on the case has been challenging, but they persist in their search.

"We're very hopeful and we're moving forward as, you know, he's coming home and we're graduating in May and life goes on just as normal," he continued. Describing Strain as 6'7" tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, Whiteid emphasized that he "stands out in a crowd."

Chris Whiteid spoke fondly of Strain's outgoing nature: "Riley was the guy that knew no strangers. The 22-year-old would walk up to people, talk to them, full of life, energetic, and had charisma."

Michelle and Chris Whiteid arrived in Nashville on March 9, finding solace in being where their son was last seen. The parents expressed gratitude for the support from volunteer organizations and locals who have been aiding in the search efforts.

Though primary reports implied Strain may have been overserved, later statements from the bar owners determine he had only consumed one alcoholic drink and two waters before being asked to leave.

In the video, it seems like he's tripping and clutching his head. He purportedly phoned his friends and informed them he'd join them at the Tempo Hotel, where they were lodged.

Despite comprehensive search efforts by Nashville police, including the use of boats and helicopters along the Cumberland River, there is no clue citing Strain fell into the river, and investigators have found no signs of foul play.