Family sues Delta Chi fraternity for Riley Strain's death

In the United States, the family of Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student, has initiated legal action against the Delta Chi fraternity nearly a year after his tragic death. Strain was last seen on March 8, 2024, during a fraternity trip to Nashville, and his body was recovered from the Cumberland River two weeks later. The wrongful death lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of Delta Chi and its members, claiming they contributed to Strain's intoxication and ultimately his demise. The lawsuit reveals that Riley experienced significant peer pressure to attend the trip to Nashville, despite initially opting out. On the night of his disappearance, Strain reportedly consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and displayed visible signs of impairment. After being kicked out of a bar for disruptive behavior, he was left alone by his fraternity brothers who chose to continue partying instead of ensuring his safety. The family's suit points out that while Riley was lost and distressed, his fraternity brothers failed to check on him or call for help, neglecting their responsibility as friends and peers. Despite the fraternity's risk management policies aimed at minimizing the servable alcohol content, it was alleged that high-alcohol-content drinks were frequently consumed during the event. The situation escalated as Strain was unable to navigate back to his accommodation due to disorientation, leading him towards the river where he ultimately drowned. According to the autopsy, his blood alcohol level was .228, significantly exceeding the legal limit. As a result, the Strain family is seeking a jury trial, aiming to hold the fraternity accountable for the emotional distress and financial burden incurred by Riley's death, which includes medical and funeral expenses. The lawsuit has ignited discussions surrounding fraternity culture, alcohol consumption, and the responsibilities of peer groups in protecting one another during social events.