A University of Missouri student's death during a fraternity formal in Nashville has sparked legal action from his grieving family.
According to NewsNation, the family of Riley Strain has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Delta Chi fraternity and 32 of its members, following the discovery of his body in Nashville's Cumberland River after a two-week search in March 2024.
The legal action stems from events during a fraternity formal trip where Strain, who initially declined to attend, was allegedly pressured into participating by his fraternity brothers. The lawsuit claims that Delta Chi members provided excessive amounts of alcohol during the bus journey from Columbia, Missouri, to Nashville, including beer and vodka-based Jello shots exceeding 15% alcohol by volume.
The lawsuit details a disturbing sequence of events that preceded Strain's disappearance. Fellow fraternity members reportedly noticed his unusual behavior early in the evening, observing his difficulty with basic functions like walking and speaking. Despite his visible impairment, no substantial assistance was provided.
As outlined in the court documents, the situation deteriorated when Strain was escorted out of a bar around 9:30 p.m. The lawsuit specifically addresses a critical moment where his fraternity brothers faced a choice between ensuring his safety or continuing their evening's festivities.
The legal filing states:
Without help, he immediately began walking in the wrong direction and away from the hotel where the fraternity was staying. Riley's Delta Chi brothers chose to continue partying.
The lawsuit highlights significant delays in reporting Strain's disappearance. His absence wasn't officially noted until the following day, despite roommates noticing he hadn't returned to the hotel around 1 a.m. on March 9. His parents weren't informed until noon the next day, at which point they contacted Nashville police.
Subsequent investigation revealed Strain's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. The autopsy classified his death as accidental, attributing it to drowning and ethanol intoxication. Authorities found no evidence of foul play.
The family's legal team argues that Delta Chi's leadership failed to implement and enforce proper safety protocols. The fraternity's policies should have prevented excessive drinking and ensured member safety during official events.
The lawsuit targets multiple levels of fraternity leadership, including chapter presidents, recruitment chairs, and various fraternity officials. The family seeks compensation for medical, funeral, and burial expenses, along with damages for Strain's pain and suffering before his death.
The legal proceedings will take place in Boone County Circuit Court, Missouri. The family has requested a jury trial to determine additional relief beyond the specified damages.
The wrongful death lawsuit against Delta Chi fraternity and its members stems from Riley Strain's death during a March 2024 fraternity formal in Nashville. His body was discovered in the Cumberland River after a nearly two-week search, following his disappearance from a bar where he showed visible signs of severe intoxication.
The legal action aims to address alleged negligence by the fraternity and its members, seeking accountability for circumstances that led to Strain's death. The case will proceed through the Boone County Circuit Court system, where a jury will evaluate the family's claims for damages and additional relief.
