Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden believes that there is still no evidence of foul play in the death of Riley Strain, a 22-year-old University of Missouri senior who drowned in the Cumberland River in Nashville. Strain was found in the water on March 22 after going missing on March 8. Despite reports that there was little water found in Strain’s lungs, Baden maintains that this detail does not necessarily indicate foul play. The Metro Nashville Police Department also stated that there is no evidence of foul play related to Strain’s death, but toxicology results are pending.
Strain’s family reportedly ordered a second autopsy after he was found without his pants or wallet. The lack of water in his lungs has raised questions about the circumstances of his death, but Baden explained that the amount of water in the lungs can change during decomposition, making it an unreliable indicator. He emphasized that it is the blockage of oxygen, not water, that causes harm in a drowning incident. Baden dismissed theories that Strain was murdered prior to being found in the river, suggesting instead that he likely fell into the water while intoxicated and was carried downstream, leading to the loss of clothing.
The disappearance of Riley Strain during a spring formal trip to Nashville with his fraternity has drawn national attention. Security footage showed him stumbling away from a downtown bar and in the direction of the river. Luke Bryan’s bar, where Strain had been drinking with friends, asked him to leave due to conduct standards, and he was escorted out. Police are investigating how Strain ended up walking in the opposite direction of his hotel, with the possibility that he entered the wrong destination into his phone’s map app. The case remains unresolved, with authorities continuing to explore all possibilities in their investigation.
Dr. Michael Baden addressed concerns about the lack of water in Riley Strain’s lungs, stating that it is not a definitive indicator of foul play. He explained that the amount of water in the lungs can fluctuate during decomposition, making it difficult to determine the circumstances of death based on this detail alone. Baden emphasized that the blockage of oxygen, not water, is what causes harm in a drowning incident. He argued against the theory that Strain was murdered prior to being found in the river, suggesting that he likely fell in while intoxicated and was carried downstream.
As the investigation into Riley Strain’s death continues, questions remain about the circumstances leading to his drowning in the Cumberland River. Despite initial reports of little water in his lungs and the absence of his pants and wallet, authorities have not found any evidence of foul play related to his death. Strain’s family ordered a second autopsy to further investigate the case, but Dr. Michael Baden believes that the lack of water in the lungs may not be a conclusive sign of foul play. The mystery surrounding Strain’s disappearance and death in Nashville continues to capture public attention, with authorities working to piece together the events leading to his tragic end.
