NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A report released by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on Thursday found "no clear evidence" that Riley Strain was overserved on the night of his death.
The University of Missouri student went missing after he was asked to leave a bar in downtown Nashville on March 8. His body was later pulled from the Cumberland River on March 22.
An autopsy found Strain had a blood alcohol content of .228, nearly three times the legal limit to drive. There were also positive findings of Delta-9 THC and Delta-9 Carboxy THC in his bloodstream.
His death was ruled as an accidental drowning, a medical examiner found.
TABC agents interviewed several individuals, reviewed purchase records and went through video footage by businesses on that evening as part of their investigation.
The report said the investigation found "no clear evidence" into whether Strain was served alcohol while intoxicated. It went on to say Strain became intoxicated throughout the evening.
The full statement from TABC reads:
"On March 8, 2024, the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) was alerted to the disappearance of Riley Strain after a night out in downtown Nashville in which Mr. Strain and his friends visited licensed establishments that serve alcohol. A key responsibility of businesses licensed to sell alcohol is to avoid serving visibly intoxicated individuals. When the TABC receives information suggesting a death may be related to a violation at one of our licensed establishments, we routinely open an investigation. The law prohibiting serving visibly intoxicated individuals is codified at Tennessee Code § 57-4-203 (c)(1).
"TABC agents conducted a comprehensive investigation, following every available evidentiary lead. They interviewed numerous individuals, reviewed purchase records, and scrutinized extensive video footage provided by businesses from that evening. While the circumstances of Mr. Strain’s death are tragic, the TABC investigation into whether he was served alcohol while visibly intoxicated on the night of March 8, 2024, did not result in any concrete evidence in the form of eyewitness testimony or video proof of a violation. Evidence including toxicology reports demonstrate that Mr. Strain became intoxicated over the course of the evening, but there is no clear evidence that he was served an alcoholic beverage while visibly intoxicated at a licensed premises.
"Safe alcohol service requires a great deal of responsibility. We urge all alcohol-serving establishments to provide frequent refresher training to their staff on safe alcohol practices. This essential training, required prior to obtaining a TABC server permit, covers the behavioral effects of alcohol on the body and the factors affecting its absorption. For beer-only permit holders who are not required to pass certified safe alcohol training, staff should be encouraged to obtain the training by acquiring a TABC alcohol server permit.
"Patrons of establishments where alcohol is served should remember to stay aware of surroundings and look out for others in your presence. Remember to consume alcohol safely. Eat before drinking, set drink limits in advance, avoid binge drinking, and never drink and drive.
"The TABC remains committed to enforcing alcohol-related laws and ensuring the safety of the public. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Strain’s family during this difficult time."