Home / Crime and Justice / Fraternity Lawsuit Over Student's Death Axed
Fraternity Lawsuit Over Student's Death Axed
16 Jul
Summary
- A Missouri judge dismissed a wrongful death lawsuit against Riley Strain's fraternity.
- The suit accused fraternity members of abandoning the student before his death.
- Riley Strain died of accidental drowning and ethanol intoxication.
A wrongful death lawsuit concerning college student Riley Strain has been dismissed by a Missouri judge. The lawsuit was filed by Strain's family against the Delta Chi fraternity and associated individuals from the University of Missouri chapter. They alleged that fraternity members abandoned the 22-year-old student on the night of March 8, 2024.
Strain was last seen after being asked to leave a bar in Nashville. The suit claimed he was left alone while fraternity brothers continued to party and later failed to notice his absence. Strain's body was discovered two weeks later in a Tennessee river. An autopsy report determined his death was accidental, caused by drowning and ethanol intoxication.
The court's dismissal, which occurred on June 8, was without prejudice. The judge noted the lack of precedent for a 'special relationship' between adult fraternity members that could create such a duty of care. The family has stated they will not comment on the ongoing matters.
