Fraternity Member Riley Strain Had 12-15 Drinks Before He Drowned to Death

WHAT A WASTE OF LIFE –

Aug. 7, 2024 – The University of Missouri student who died in March by drowning in the Cumberland River after a night out in downtown Nashville consumed between 12 to 15 alcoholic drinks before his death. Investigators with conducted interviews with Strain’s Delta Chi fraternity members, who had traveled by bus from the University of Missouri to Nashville for a fraternity formal. He was found to have a blood alcohol level of .228.

Two of Strain’s fraternity brothers said while Strain’s bus driver was strictly enforcing no alcohol on the bus, that “the group was drinking.” A fraternity brother said Strain had at least five drinks, including two vodka shots and three IPAs.

The level of alcohol in those drinks could become important, according to David Easlick, an attorney who operated a national fraternity for 29 years and now sues fraternities after the death or injuries of students.

WSMV4 Investigates shared the police findings with Easlick, who said the amount of alcohol in those drinks violates the chapter’s own rules.

A webinar for parents on Delta Chi’s national fraternity website states that no drink with more than 15 percent alcohol can be served at a fraternity function unless it is served by a licensed third party.

In the online seminar, Davis Millard, associate executive director of Delta Chi, can be heard saying violating the guideline will lead to punishment.

“If a chapter doesn’t comply with these, they will be placed on a corrective action or probation status,” said Millard.

Easlick said the 15 percent rule was developed by fraternities for risk management.