{"id":4202,"date":"2024-05-17T13:53:08","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T13:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/foreverinourhearts\/?p=4202"},"modified":"2024-05-17T13:53:08","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T13:53:08","slug":"riley-strains-family-accepts-his-diploma-in-tears-at-graduation-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/foreverinourhearts\/2024\/05\/riley-strains-family-accepts-his-diploma-in-tears-at-graduation-ceremony.html","title":{"rendered":"Riley Strain’s Family Accepts His Diploma in Tears at Graduation Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Riley Strain’s family experienced a bittersweet milestone on behalf of the late college student. It was a moment that left them in tears, with a diploma in hand. Strain’s loved ones attended the University of Missouri’s graduation ceremony, accepting Strain’s diploma from the Mizzou College of Arts and Sciences. The crowd met his family with cheers and a standing ovation, with the late student being the first name read out.<\/p>\n

The posthumous achievement was an understandably poignant moment for Strain’s parents and stepparents, who fought back tears as they took the stage. Strain’s disappearance and subsequent death captured the nation’s attention after he had been kicked out of Luke’s 32 Bridge, a bar owned by\u00a0Luke Bryan, for apparently being too intoxicated. Despite an extensive search, Strain went missing for two weeks. His body was found on March 22 in the Cumberland River, confirming that he had died. Police say they didn’t suspect any foul play.<\/p>\n

Strain’s family is still searching for answers on how the college student met his untimely end, speculating in an interview that his drink may’ve been spiked. Strain’s mom, Michelle Whiteid, told NewsNation’s Brian Entin that her son texted her about his drink tasting odd the night of his disappearance. She speculated, “Maybe there was something in it that shouldn’t have been.” However, cops are still saying there are no signs of foul play. Videos released by businesses and police show Strain stumbling and falling around Nashville after being kicked out of the bar.<\/p>\n