Riley Strains family files wrongful death lawsuit against fraternity a year after his death

Riley Strain’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his former fraternity brothers a year after he was found dead in a river in downtown Nashville.The 22-year-old University of Missouri student was found dead in the Cumberland River nearly two weeks after he disappeared during a drunken night out celebrating the Delta Chi fraternity formal last March.Strain’s family claims the fraternity “had a duty of care to Riley Strain as a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and as a ‘brother’ in the organization, and over which Delta Chi asserted control,” according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by WZTV.The lawsuit also claims Delta Chi was “negligent, careless, and/or reckless” in failing to have adequate safety measures for the formal, allowing excessive drinking, as well as not having chaperones at the event, which the shy student was pressured into attending in the first place.The family claims his death was a “result of the carelessness and negligence” of the fraternity, and names 32 members including presidents, officers, leadership and brothers.“After Riley was abandoned, but prior to his death, he experienced conscious pain and suffering,” the lawsuit reads.

“As a direct and proximate result of defendant’s negligence, Riley suffered severe injuries, ultimately resulting in his death on March 22, 2024.”Strain also suffered “extreme physical and emotional damage, and pain and suffering prior to his death,” according to the suit.Strain was “an often-reserved young man that did not tend to go with the typical fraternity flow” and “did not plan to attend the formal,” the lawsuit claimed.“His fraternity brothers continued to pressure Riley about the formal and, after their continued cajoling, Riley agreed to attend.”The lawsuit states Strain’s family is seeking a jury trial as well as compensation for damages for his pain and suffering and to cover other expenses caused by his death.

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