The University of Missouri commemorated and honored the life of Riley Strain, the 22-year-old who died in Nashville after vanishing from a bar. During a commencement ceremony last Saturday, the university presented Strain’s family with his diploma for his academic accomplishments.
Both Strain’s parents and step-parents were there to accept the diploma on his behalf. At the ceremony, a presenter read off Riley Strain’s name first. They also held a moment of silence for the young man. This was followed by a standing ovation and applauds for Strain.
Strain’s stepfather Chris Whiteid has been vocal in recent months about wishing Strain’s frat brothers would have played a more active role in the investigation. The family feels that they didn’t support the family and that they played a role in his death by leaving him alone.
“We are just looking for that next little clue that gives us an idea of what happened when he went missing,” Whiteid told NewNation. “They were the last ones to see Riley, and we’d love to have pictures or anything like that they’d be willing to share.”
Riley Strain’s Family Thanks Community
Likewise, family friend Chris Dingman also blasted the college and frat house in a lengthy Facebook message as well. He wrote, “I just wish the campus vigil, small church service in Columbia for the Fraternity brothers organized by the Greek Council and photo opt efforts would have been matched the night Riley went missing. The Sat after Riley went missing before the formal event that night. And @ the bare minimum Sunday morning before getting on the bus to come home without their brother.”
However, the family has also been thankful for the support in both Nashville and Missouri. They previously said during a press conference that it meant a lot to them. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” Whiteid said. “To the people of Nashville, I can’t thank you enough for the support, the love, the encouragement that you’ve shown…in some of our darkest hours. The hugs, the prayers, the offers. I can’t say it enough. Thank you.”
Strain’s mother, Michelle Whiteid, also thanked the community after learning of his death. “I just want to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone and how much we appreciate everyone’s support and love and prayers because we feel them. We’ve felt every one of them,” she said. “I just ask that you mamas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please. Please for me.”