'Hug your babies tight': Riley Strain's parents, stepdad grieve in wake of son's death

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Riley Strain's parents and stepfather spoke to local media on Friday after their son's body was recovered from the Cumberland River in West Nashville.

Riley's parents, and several family members who came to support them, wore green, his favorite color, as they spoke about their son.

Riley's mother Michelle Whiteid teared up as she took the podium Friday.

I just ask that you mommas out there hug your babies tight tonight, please." Whiteid said. "Please for me, hug your babies tight tonight."

His father Ryan Gilbert thanked Metro Nashville Police Department, the United Cajun Navy, the community and family back home and especially crews that helped search on boats during this unsure time.

"It's just unbelievable what they've done for us," Gilbert said.

Riley's stepfather Chris Whiteid said the Nashville community has been with the family every step of the way which they could not be more grateful for.

It's been an emotional roller-coaster," Chris says. "We're quite thankful for everything that you've done for our family. The grace that you've given us, it means a lot, more than you'll ever know."

He thanked volunteers, family and friends among others.

To the people of Nashville, I can't thank you enough for the support, the love, the encouragement that you've shown myself and my wife," Chris said. "You don't understand how much that meant to us in some of our darkest hours."

A candlelight vigil was held for Riley on Gay Street Friday evening, an area near where the 22-year-old was last seen.

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