Riley Strain’s Celebration of Life Announced — Why Attendees Are Being Asked to Wear Green
"His joyous approach to life and the happiness he brought to those around him will forever be remembered," read Riley Strain's obituary
Metro Nashville Police Department
Riley StrainA celebration of life for Riley Strain will be held on Friday in Springfield, Missouri
The University of Missouri student, 22, was found dead on March 22 in Nashville's Cumberland River, two weeks after he went missing
A message in his obituary emphasized that Strain's "joyous approach to life and the happiness he brought to those around him will forever be remembered"
A celebration of life for 22-year-old Riley Strain has been announced.
A visitation for the 22-year-old University of Missouri student, who was missing for two weeks in Nashville before his body was found in the Cumberland River, will be held on Friday in Springfield, Missouri, according to his obituary. Afterwards, there will be a celebration of life.
"Riley often quipped, 'Green makes you look good,' " his obituary read. "In that spirit, we ask attendees to wear something green and dress comfortably to honor Riley’s love of life."
A private burial will be held at a later time, per the obituary.
Strain was last seen by friends at a bar on Broadway on March 8, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department previously said.
The Mizzou student was asked to leave Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Luke Bryan's restaurant and bar, according to a previous statement from TC Restaurant Group, which oversees Bryan’s establishment.
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The college student later appeared on multiple surveillance cameras, where he was seen interacting with a police officer, and later walking towards a bridge. His bank card was found on March 17, five days before his body was discovered.
Police told PEOPLE on Thursday that the "preliminary autopsy showed no apparent signs of foul play and his death continues to appear accidental."
Shortly after his body was found, his family called the two-week experience an “emotional rollercoaster.”
Michelle Whiteid, Strain's mother, thanked those who helped locate Riley — and made a plea to other mothers. "I just ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please," she said. "Please, for me."
In his obituary, Strain was remembered as having a “deep care for the community and the environment.”
In fact, in lieu of flowers, his family said that donations in "Riley’s honor can be made to the Missouri Department of Conservation."
Metro Nashville PD
Riley Strain.Related: A Complete Timeline of Missing Student Riley Strain's Disappearance
“Riley embraced outdoor adventures, whether it was hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying the serenity of the lake,” the obituary. "Riley’s competitive spirit shone through in tennis matches and his budding interest in the discipline of jiu-jitsu.
However, above all, the 22-year-old "cherished time spent with family, creating lasting memories," per the tribute.
The message continued, "Riley Strain’s presence will be profoundly missed, but his joyous approach to life and the happiness he brought to those around him will forever be remembered."
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