Lawsuit Filed by Family of University Student Who Died in Nashville Targets Fraternity for Negligence

Lawsuit Filed by Family of University Student Who Died in Nashville Targets Fraternity for Negligence

The family of a University of Missouri student has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit following the tragic passing of their son during a trip to Nashville. The lawsuit comes nearly a year after the student, Riley Strain, was discovered dead in the Cumberland River. Reports indicate he was missing for nearly two weeks before his body was located on March 22, 2024.

Strain, just 22 years old, vanished during a night out with peers on March 8, 2024. His family is now seeking justice and accountability from the Delta Chi fraternity and several of its members.

Allegations of Carelessness and Negligence

The wrongful death suit, which was filed on March 21 in Boone County, Missouri, names the University of Missouri chapter of Delta Chi and several individuals, including fraternity leaders and pledge brothers. The family’s legal action claims that Strain’s death resulted from the “carelessness and negligence” exhibited by the fraternity.

According to the lawsuit, Strain experienced significant suffering in the time leading up to his death. The complaint states, “After Riley was abandoned, but prior to his death, he experienced conscious pain and suffering.”

Peer Pressure and Decisions

The family also noted that Strain initially opted out of attending the fraternity’s annual formal trip but changed his mind due to what they describe as overwhelming peer pressure from his fraternity brothers.

The lawsuit emphasizes the fraternity’s failure to ensure the safety of its members, alleging that it neglected to take the necessary precautions that could have prevented the tragedy. Strain’s family asserts that members of Delta Chi allowed excessive drinking during the trip and failed to intervene as Strain’s condition deteriorated.

Details of Strain’s Condition

Fraternity members reportedly observed Strain displaying troubling symptoms throughout the night. Witnesses noted that he struggled to walk and communicate, with descriptions of him as “virtually incoherent” by the end of the night.

The lawsuit details a pivotal moment when Strain was ejected from a bar by staff. At this point, his fraternity brothers had a choice to make — either prioritize the safety of Strain or continue their night of partying. The complaint asserts they chose to ignore him.

Unattended and Abandoned

After leaving the bar, Strain wandered away and failed to find his way back to his fraternity. The lawsuit argues that rather than providing him necessary support, his fraternity brothers abandoned him, leaving him alone in a vulnerable state. This lack of action continued for over three hours, during which time Strain’s roommates reportedly did not raise any alarm about his whereabouts.

The suit details that no effort was made to locate Strain, even as hours passed without his return. It criticizes the fraternity members for their inaction, stating, “There was no search, no panic, and no one called 911.”

Investigative Findings

After Strain’s body was found, a medical examiner confirmed that his blood alcohol content was .228, which is more than twice the legal limit for intoxication. Furthermore, toxicology reports indicated the presence of Delta 9, caffeine, nicotine, and marijuana in his system at the time of death.

Authorities ruled Strain’s cause of death as drowning combined with ethanol intoxication, labeling it an accident, but his family maintains that it results from negligence on the part of his fraternity.

Seeking Damages

Strain’s family is pursuing a jury trial and is requesting damages to cover medical, funeral, and burial expenses, along with compensation for the pain and suffering he endured before his untimely death.

In total, the complaint encompasses 36 pages, outlining the actions and inactions of the Delta Chi fraternity and its leadership. Strain’s family firmly believes that accountability must be established to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Broader Impact

This lawsuit shines a light on the responsibilities fraternities hold when it comes to ensuring student safety in social settings. The family hopes that by pursuing this case, it can spark necessary conversations about accountability and safety protocols among university organizations.

As this case unfolds, the Strain family continues to seek justice, not just for Riley but on behalf of all students whose lives may be at risk during similar situations. The impact of their loss resonates not only within their community but also raises essential questions regarding the culture of excess and responsibility among college fraternities.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the eyes of many will be on how universities and fraternal organizations respond to these crucial safety and accountability issues in the future.

This report reflects the ongoing developments in the tragic case of Riley Strain, and further updates will follow as this story progresses.