Frat Brothers Scrutinized By Riley Strain’s Family Friend For Lack Of Help

Riley Strain’s family is not happy with his fraternity brothers for their lack of help following his death.

The student went missing the night of March 8 after he went bar hopping with his fraternity brothers. Riley was reportedly kicked out of Luke Bryan’s bar in downtown Nashville, but his friends did not leave with him. When they returned to their hotel at 3:15 a.m., Riley was not there.

14 days after searching, Riley Strain’s body was found in Cumberland River – and now the family wants answers.

As The Blast previously reported, Riley’s mom, Michelle Whiteid, demanded answers from his fraternity brothers because she believes they may not be telling the whole truth about what happened that night.

“Why wouldn’t they have called the police when they got back at 3:15 in the morning and didn’t see him then?” she questioned.

Riley’s stepfather, Chris Whiteid, also revealed that the fraternity brothers did not involve the police until nearly 14 hours after they last saw their friend, which has raised questions.

After Riley’s mom questioned why his friends didn’t call the police that night, a family friend asked why there were no videos or photos from their night out in town.

“We’ve gotten nothing, and on top of that, I thought that maybe after the parents had done their interview last night that maybe a parent of the fraternity brothers or sorority sisters…started talking to their kids and trying to get info,” Chris Dingman told NewsNation.

“At this moment, we have crickets. There’s been nothing that’s been said or produced at all,” he added.

Riley’s mom and stepfather recently claimed the frat brothers “suddenly disappeared” after Riley’s family arrived in Nashville on March 9, the day after their son was last seen alive.

“So when we got there, several of the boys were out front with a police officer,” his mom said. “The boys stayed out for a while, and then they [suddenly] disappeared.”

She then claimed, “They ended up back out a little while later in their dress clothes to go out to their formal that night,” while Riley’s family searched hospitals to see if Riley had been admitted somewhere.

“We come back [from searching the hospitals], and they’re coming back, some of them from the party, and they’re waving at us as we’re sitting in the truck,” Riley’s stepfather added. “How does that make you feel?”

Riley’s father, Ryan Gilbert, said, “We weren’t very happy with them, to say the least. It’s appalling.”

Riley’s stepdad also claims that his frat brothers have not gotten in contact with them since Riley’s body was discovered a few weeks ago.

“I don’t understand why they wouldn’t have [contacted] us, wanting to provide information from that night,” he questioned in his interview with NewsNation. “Maybe I’m crazy, but why should we have to reach out to them and beg them for information on a missing brother?”

This latest interview comes after Riley’s father demanded answers. “[His] pants, belt, wallet, [and] boots … none of those items have been found. We’re pretty certain that he would have been wearing a belt at the time,” Ryan Gilbert previously said, per KY3.

While none of Riley’s frat brothers have spoken out since his disappearance, the fraternity has released a statement:

“The Delta Chi Fraternity is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our esteemed fraternity brother, Riley Strain. Our hearts go out to Riley’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time as we work to provide support and resources to all those affected by this tragedy.

The Fraternity’s Campus Assistance Program, which provides in-person resources and professional support, is available to our members 24/7 as they navigate through this challenging time. Additionally, we are working closely with University of Missouri authorities to ensure our local chapter members have direct access to campus support resources.”

The police have previously stated there is no evidence of foul play, but Riley’s family believes otherwise. They hope their questions will be answered after the toxicology report comes back.

The Blast will continue to report on any new details regarding the Riley Strain case.