The search for missing college student Riley Strain has intensified, with efforts now spanning multiple counties and involving numerous volunteers mobilizing along the Cumberland River.
Following a request from the Metro Nashville Police Department, authorities from the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department conducted a thorough search of the Cheatham Dam in collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Despite their efforts, no signs of Strain were found. Deputies utilized the dam’s locks, “burping” the dam to force any potential evidence to the surface. Spectators gathered atop the dam, scrutinizing the water for any traces of debris.
Search along Cumberland River for Any Trace of Riley Strain (Credits: WKRN)
Downriver from the dam, the Pleasant View Volunteer Fire Department crews were stationed, scanning the area near the hydroelectric plant for any objects that may have passed through.
Sydney Perret, who drove nearly an hour to the location, searched the banks of the Cumberland River, believing that Strain’s body may have drifted downstream.
Expressing doubts about Strain still being downtown, Perret emphasized the importance of expanding the search efforts further downstream, utilizing boats and sonar near the dam.
In downtown Nashville, many volunteers joined the search for water and land. The United Cajun Navy deployed two boats to assist, while others, like Brandi Maige, aided in hanging posters featuring Strain’s photos. Maige, empathizing with Strain’s family, stressed the significance of community support during such challenging times.
Cumberland River (Credits: WKRN News/YouTube)
Volunteers, including Maige and her friends, distributed over 1,400 posters throughout Nashville, intending to cover Strain’s entire route on March 8, from Luke’s 32 Bridge to his last known location on Gay Street.
Meanwhile, the Office of Emergency Management worked alongside law enforcement, utilizing large maps to strategize and determine potential search areas.
Despite exhaustive efforts, Cheatham County deputies announced they would not continue searching their portion of the river but remained committed to assisting MNPD with any further requests.
