NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The recent death of Mizzou student Riley Strain has sparked new discussions and urgent calls for safety upgrades along the Cumberland River. Decision-makers in Nashville are now considering measures to enhance security in the area.
Downtown Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin has introduced a resolution in Metro Council to study ways to make the area safer.
The resolution aims to address immediate concerns, such as the installation of a possible fence in the vicinity where Strain's phone last pinged. This area, along the Gay Street Connector, poses potential risks due to its proximity to a cliff with a steep drop-off.
"Having a tragic ending I think really struck a chord with a lot of people," Kupin said.
In addition to short-term solutions, the study will also explore long-term goals, including improving housing and resources for those living along the riverfront. The aim is to provide support for residents to transition away from the riverfront and into safer living environments.
The Cumberland River area has gained significant attention in recent weeks due to the circumstances surrounding Riley Strain's disappearance and subsequent discovery.
Who is Riley Strain and when was he last seen?
Riley Strain, 22, is a University of Missouri senior who disappeared after a night out with friends in Downtown Nashville on March 8.
He went missing after he was kicked out of Luke Bryan's bar on Lower Broadway.
Surveillance video and body-cam footage was released detailing the night, as well as a statement from Luke Bryan's bar, claiming they only ever sold him one alcoholic beverage and two waters.
RELATED: Luke Bryan's bar claims they only served Riley Strain one drink
Here's a timeline of events that led up to his disappearance.
What evidence was found?
On March 17, Metro Police said Riley's bank card was found in the Cumberland River embankment along Gay Street by those who had been searching for Riley themselves.
Riley's body was found in the Cumberland River in the Nations area 14 days after he went missing. We've created a map diagram to show the distance from where Riley went missing to where he was located.
