Following the discovery of Riley Strain’s body in the Cumberland River, his family held a poignant press conference. Strain’s parents and step-parents, visibly emotional, expressed profound appreciation for the support they received. Riley’s father, Ryan Gilbert, thanked those who helped keep his son’s case in the public eye, saying, “You’ve helped us get some closure and let us take our boy home.” Similarly, step-father Chris Whiteid described the ordeal as an “emotional rollercoaster” but expressed renewed faith in humanity. David Flagg from the United Cajon Navy also thanked the media for their respectful coverage.

Riley, a 22-year-old college student from Missouri, went missing after being ejected from a Nashville bar. Despite extensive searches and the recovery of his body downstream, investigators do not suspect foul play. Police Chief John Drake confirmed that Riley was found wearing the same clothes he had on the night he disappeared, reinforcing the belief that his death was accidental.

The family refrained from discussing details of the investigation during the press conference. Autopsy results are pending.