Luke Bryan, Luke’s 32 Bridge and TC Restaurant Group, which operates and owns Luke’s 32 Bridge, released statements regarding the ongoing investigation into Riley Strain, who disappeared on March 8 after being ejected from Luke Bryan’s Lower Broadway bar.
Luke’s 32 Bridge And TC Restaurant Group Issue Statement
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 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.
Investigation Launched By Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission
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.
Luke’s 32 Bridge And TC Restaurant Group Are Provided All Necessary Records To Aid The Investigation
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.”
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.
Luke Bryan Speaks Out On Riley Strain’s Disappearance
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.”
What Happened To Riley Strain?
As per the Metro Nashville Police Department, the 22-year-old Missouri college student was last observed on Friday (Mar. 8) around 9:52 pm on Gay St. in Nashville. His last sighting occurred following an evening of drinking with friends downtown at Luke’s 32 Bridge.
Riley Strain is 6’5″ tall with a thin build, blue eyes and light brown hair. The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that on Tuesday, March 12, a helicopter was deployed to assist in the search for Riley Strain. The MNPD helicopter scoured the vicinity where he was last spotted and surveyed along the riverbank, yet no evidence was discovered. Detectives conducted ground searches as well, as stated by the police, but unfortunately “to no avail.”
The OEM dispatched two boats to assist in searching the riverbank area. They also requested the addition of sonar equipment for this effort. Crews will follow a designated path in coordination with @MNPDNashville as they continue to investigate the disappearance of the 22-year-old college student.
Strain’s Friend Reported His Disappearance To Nashville Police 16 Hours After
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?” Metro PD asked, to which he friend replied, “His name is Riley Strain … he’s white, 22-year-old 6′5″ blonde.”
Law enforcement have released surveillance footage capturing Strain’s movements after his ejection from Luke’s 32 Bridge. The footage depicts him crossing from First Avenue to Gay Street at 9:47 PM local time.
Riley Strain’s Parents Spoke Out
Strain’s parents were interviewed by ABC News regarding their son’s 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 are asked to call: 615-862-8600.
