Carly Pearce's Heartfelt Tribute to College Student Riley Strain at Local Performance

Carly Pearce Pays Tribute to College Student Riley Strain During Hometown Concert

Carly Pearce and Riley Strain Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy; Inset: Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Carly Pearce honored college student Riley Strain during her weekend concert in Nashville.

During her St. Louis concert on March 22, Pearce expressed her love and support for Riley Strain, who was recently found dead in Nashville. She dedicated a portion of her performance to him, sending thoughts to his family, friends, and anyone in the audience who knew him.

Strain, who was 22 years old, was discovered deceased on March 22nd. He had disappeared two weeks earlier after visiting Luke Bryan's Nashville bar, 32 Bridge Food + Drink. The University of Missouri senior had been in the city for his fraternity's spring formal.

During the event, Pearce shared some words about Strain before singing her popular 2017 song "Every Little Thing."

She sang to the crowd, "Every little thing, I remember every little thing. The high, the hurt, the shine, the sting. Every little thing." Pearce finished the song by saying, "We love you Riley."

While at Bryan's bar on March 8, security asked Strain to leave the establishment of the country singer.

According to a post on Bryan's Instagram by TC Restaurant Group, the owners of 32 Bridge, Strain was removed from the venue at approximately 9:35 p.m.

Bryan and the bar mentioned on Instagram Stories that they were cooperating with the police by providing security footage and any other information that could be useful. Bryan expressed his concern on March 12, saying, "Y'all this is scary. Praying for his safe return."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carly Pearce Connect (@carlyp_connect)

After leaving the establishment alone, Strain was seen on surveillance video walking across the street with a group of people while looking at his phone. He then stopped, changed direction, and followed behind the group down the street, as reported by ABC News.

Further video footage obtained by ABC News showed that Strain had a brief conversation with a police officer on the night he disappeared. The officer asked him how he was doing, to which Strain responded with, "I'm good, how about you?" No other video footage of Strain was found after his short interaction with the police.

The college senior was reported missing by his fellow students after they couldn't find him in his hotel room following a night out in Nashville.

After conducting a thorough search in the area, Nashville Police confirmed on March 22 that Strain's body had been discovered eight miles away from downtown Nashville.

Carly Pearce Pays Tribute to College Student Riley Strain During Hometown Concert

Riley Strain Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Riley Strain's body was found in the Cumberland River in West Nashville this morning, the police confirmed. No signs of foul play were detected, and an autopsy is scheduled for later.

To honor Strain's memory, the city of Nashville has chosen to illuminate certain buildings, businesses, and parks in green, which was Strain's favorite color.

Family friend Chris Dingman expressed gratitude via Facebook on March 23, stating, "Riley could see how much Nashville loves him from heaven, and I believe he was smiling because that's just who our boy is. Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this amazing journey."

During an emotional press conference, Strain's mom Michelle Whiteid also extended thanks to the community for their support and prayers throughout the two-week search.

“I just ask that you mamas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please,” Whiteid said on March 22. “Please, for me. Just hug your babies tight. Thank you for sharing our story.”

Editor's P/S:

The tragic disappearance and subsequent discovery of Riley Strain's body have sent shockwaves through the Nashville community and beyond. Carly Pearce's heartfelt tribute during her concert serves as a poignant reminder of the profound loss felt by Strain's family, friends, and the countless others who knew and loved him. Her performance of "Every Little Thing" resonated deeply, capturing the bittersweet memories and the lingering pain that accompanies such an unexpected and heartbreaking event.

Strain's death underscores the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need for increased safety measures in entertainment establishments. Luke Bryan's establishment and the Nashville Police Department have cooperated fully with the investigation, providing security footage and any relevant information that could aid in determining the circumstances surrounding Strain's disappearance. The community's outpouring of support, including the illumination of buildings in Strain's favorite color, green, is a testament to the enduring impact he had on those who knew him. As the investigation continues, we extend our deepest condolences to Strain's family and friends and hope that they can find some solace during this difficult time.