Luke Bryan’s Nashville Bar, 32 Bridge, Reveals Additional Information On The Ongoing Riley Strain Investigation
The establishment’s statement comes one week after the college student was reported missing.
Luke’s 32 Bridge; Photo by Andrew Wendowski
Luke’s 32 Bridge and TC Restaurant Group, issued a statement on the ongoing investigation of Riley Strain, who went missing on March 8 after being kicked out of Luke Bryan’s Lower Nashville bar.
Additional Information Shared Via The Bar’s Instagram
On Friday afternoon (Mar. 15), a representative for Luke’s 32 Bridge took to the bar’s social media to share additional information on the investigation of the missing 22-year-old University of Missouri student.
“In our effort to help the Nashville Metro Police Department’s Missing Persons investigation of Riley Strain, we proactively provided detailed information quickly after his visit to our business on March 8,” the statement began.
The establishment, which is owned and operated by Luke’s 32 Bridge, has reviewed all security footage, photos and bar transactions as well as took statements from bartenders and other 32 Bridge staff, who were working that evening.
“This information included all security camera footage, photos of Riley at our establishment with detailed time stamps, transaction records, and staff accounts,” the statement continued.
The TABC Investigates Strain’s Alcohol Consumption At The Nashville Bar
Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) recently launched an investigation into Luke’s 32 Bridge to determine if Riley Strain was overserved during his visit to the bar.
“There are no specific rules or statutes that governs escorting out intoxicated patrons from their businesses or providing assistance in getting someone home. However, state law prohibits serving alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated. A violation is a class A misdemeanor. The TABC has opened an investigation into this matter to see if any violations have occurred,” TABC communication director Aaron Rummage shared with PEOPLE.
“We are investigating whether Mr. Strain was served alcohol while he was visibly intoxicated,” Rummage continued.
TC Restaurant Group and Luke’s 32 Bridge are “proactively engaged in communication with the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission and will continue to communicate and provided any records needed to aid their ongoing investigation.”
What Happened Inside Luke’s 32 Bridge?
The statement also clarified what happened inside the bar on Lower Broadway, according to official documents and security footage. “During Riley’s visit Luke’s 32 Bridge, our records show he purchased and was served one alcoholic and two waters. At 9:35 p.m., our security team made a decision based on our conduct standards to escort him from the venue through our Broadway exit at the front of our building. He was followed down the stairs with one member of his party. The individual with Riley did not exit and returned upstairs.”
“Our prayers continue to be with Riley’s friends and family during this difficult time and for his safe return,” the statement concluded.
Friends of Riley Strain reported him missing nearly 16 hours after disappearance, 911 call shows https://t.co/EAFT51xXeX
— WSMV 4 Nashville (@WSMV) March 12, 2024
Luke Bryan Speaks Out
The statements come days after Luke Bryan broke his silence and spoke out on the situation. The country superstar took to social media to share a message with his followers.
“Y’all this is scary. Praying for his safe return,” Bryan wrote. He later shared an Instagram post containing details regarding Strain’s disappearance from the Metro Nashville Police Department, urging, “If you have any information that could help, please reach out to the number above.”
When Was Riley Strain’s Last Sighting?
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the 22-year-old was last seen on Friday at approximately 9:52 pm on Gay St. in Nashville. He was last seen after drinking downtown with friends at 32 Bridge.
Strain is 6’5″ tall with a thin build, blue eyes and light brown hair.
Metro PD confirmed that a helicopter aided in the search for Riley Strain on Tuesday. The MNPD helicopter searched in the area he was last seen and along the riverbank, however, nothing was found. According to a statement from police, detectives also searched on the ground “but to no avail.” Additionally, Nashville’s Emergency Operations Center, Managed by the Nashville Office of Emergency Management, revealed that two boats were deployed and sonar equipment was requested “to aid with searches of the riverbank area.”
Our Urban Search & Rescue team has assembled today to search further along the brush line of the riverbank for 22-year-old Riley Strain. Anyone with info is still asked to 📞 615-742-7463. pic.twitter.com/4MfxufhrDk
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 14, 2024
According to Nashville’s WSMV, a 911 call was placed around 1:40 pm on Saturday, nearly 16 hours after Strain’s disappearance. At this time, he was reported missing.
“We’re here on a fraternity formal trip,” one of Strain’s friends tells the dispatcher in the call obtained by WSMV. “It’s one of my good buddies.”
“What is his name?”
“His name is Riley Strain … he’s white, 22-year-old 6′5″ blonde.”
Detectives today continue to pursue tips & investigative leads concerning missing person Riley Strain, 22. Strain, wearing a 2-tone shirt, is seen in this video crossing 1st Ave N to Gay St (right to left), at 9:47 p.m. Fri. Have info about him? Plz 📞 615-742-7463. pic.twitter.com/fE86dlqeOC
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 12, 2024
The Investigation Continues
Police released surveillance video showing Strain after he was kicked out of 32 Bridge. At this time, he was spotted crossing First Ave. to Gay Street. This was at 9:47 pm local time.
Strain’s parents spoke with ABC News about their son following his disappearance.
“He was excited ’cause he was out, and he was sending me pictures at the different bars they were going to. And he was having fun with his fraternity brothers,” Michelle Whiteid, Strain’s mother, told ABC News.
His father, Ryan Gilbert, added, “He’s a good kid. He was down here looking forward to a fun weekend. We want to bring him back home safe.”
Those who have any information regarding Riley Strain’s whereabouts can call 615-862-8600.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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