Police deem Riley Strain’s death as “accidental”
Several more clues had led to the discovery of Strain’s body, which was found eight miles upstream from where he was last seen. Police released surveillance video on March 12 showing him stumbling while crossing a street near the river, just 12 minutes after leaving a bar. Additionally, his family traced his last cellphone location to a spot less than a mile from the venue, and on March 15, police reported finding his bank card at an embankment near the river.
Strain is survived by his mother Michelle Whiteid and stepfather Chris Whiteid, as well as his father Robert Gilbert and stepmother Milli Gilbert. He is also survived by his sister Chelsea Strain and girlfriend Anna Pauly.
After news of Strain’s passing, his family spoke at a press conference. His mother urged all mothers to hug their children tight that night. “I just ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please,” she said. “Please for me. Hug your babies tight tonight.”