West Virginia — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Clarksburg and Philippi communities following the drowning death of 19-year-old Dustin Nixon, whose body was recovered from Tygart Lake on Sunday evening, June 29. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) confirmed his identity and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to officials, multiple emergency response teams were dispatched to Tygart Lake on Sunday after reports came in of a missing swimmer. Dustin’s body was recovered around 7 p.m., bringing a somber end to an already devastating day for his family, friends, and loved ones.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Dustin Nixon, a young man from Clarksburg, was described by those who knew him as kind-hearted, full of life, and just beginning to embrace adulthood with optimism and ambition. He was known for his friendly nature, his sense of humor, and the care he showed to family and friends alike.
His sudden passing has left the Clarksburg community in mourning — particularly those closest to him who had watched him grow and hoped to see him reach the full potential of the life he was building. In just 19 years, Dustin had already made a lasting impression on many.
“This is the kind of tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us,” said Captain David James of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police District 1. “Summer months, we always have tragedies like this. It’s a shame, but I hope the family does well. I hope some closure was brought to the family by the quick response from all the EMS and other police agencies involved.”
Investigation Ongoing
As of Monday morning, the WVDNR confirmed that the medical examiner’s report is still pending, and the investigation remains active. No additional details have been released regarding the events leading up to the drowning, though officials have confirmed that all proper emergency protocols were followed and that multiple agencies responded quickly to the call.
Authorities have not yet clarified if Dustin was swimming, boating, or engaged in any other lake activities at the time of the incident. These details are expected to be part of the final report from the medical examiner and investigators.
Community Support and Grief
The news of Dustin’s passing has deeply affected not just his family but also the extended community. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have taken to social media to express their condolences, share memories, and reflect on the painful reminder of how fragile life can be — especially during the warmer months when water safety becomes a vital concern.
A family friend wrote online:
“We were just talking last week about summer plans. It doesn’t seem real. Dustin was such a good kid, respectful and kind. My heart breaks for his family.”
A Tragic Reminder
This incident is yet another tragic reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months, when drowning incidents increase across the country. Officials continue to urge the public to wear life vests, stay vigilant, and avoid swimming alone.
Final Thoughts
As the community gathers around the Nixon family in prayer and support, Dustin’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Plans for a memorial or funeral service have not yet been announced, but loved ones are already preparing to honor his life and legacy in the coming days.
“He was just 19. He had so much ahead of him,” one local resident said. “We will never forget Dustin. May he rest in peace.”
Our thoughts are with the Nixon family and all affected by this tragic loss.
Rest in peace, Dustin Nixon. Your light left us too soon, but your memory will never fade.
#TygartLake #Clarksburg #InLovingMemory #GoneTooSoon 🕊️
Remembering Dustin Nixon: 19-Year-Old Clarksburg Man Drowns in Tygart Lake Tragedy
Philippi, West Virginia — June 29, 2025
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Clarksburg and Philippi communities following the drowning death of 19-year-old Dustin Nixon, whose body was recovered from Tygart Lake on Sunday evening, June 29. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) confirmed his identity and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to officials, multiple emergency response teams were dispatched to Tygart Lake on Sunday after reports came in of a missing swimmer. Dustin’s body was recovered around 7 p.m., bringing a somber end to an already devastating day for his family, friends, and loved ones.
A Life Lost Too Soon
Dustin Nixon, a young man from Clarksburg, was described by those who knew him as kind-hearted, full of life, and just beginning to embrace adulthood with optimism and ambition. He was known for his friendly nature, his sense of humor, and the care he showed to family and friends alike.
His sudden passing has left the Clarksburg community in mourning — particularly those closest to him who had watched him grow and hoped to see him reach the full potential of the life he was building. In just 19 years, Dustin had already made a lasting impression on many.
“This is the kind of tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us,” said Captain David James of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police District 1. “Summer months, we always have tragedies like this. It’s a shame, but I hope the family does well. I hope some closure was brought to the family by the quick response from all the EMS and other police agencies involved.”
Investigation Ongoing
As of Monday morning, the WVDNR confirmed that the medical examiner’s report is still pending, and the investigation remains active. No additional details have been released regarding the events leading up to the drowning, though officials have confirmed that all proper emergency protocols were followed and that multiple agencies responded quickly to the call.
Authorities have not yet clarified if Dustin was swimming, boating, or engaged in any other lake activities at the time of the incident. These details are expected to be part of the final report from the medical examiner and investigators.
Community Support and Grief
The news of Dustin’s passing has deeply affected not just his family but also the extended community. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have taken to social media to express their condolences, share memories, and reflect on the painful reminder of how fragile life can be — especially during the warmer months when water safety becomes a vital concern.
A family friend wrote online:
“We were just talking last week about summer plans. It doesn’t seem real. Dustin was such a good kid, respectful and kind. My heart breaks for his family.”
A Tragic Reminder
This incident is yet another tragic reminder of the importance of water safety, especially during the summer months, when drowning incidents increase across the country. Officials continue to urge the public to wear life vests, stay vigilant, and avoid swimming alone.
Final Thoughts
As the community gathers around the Nixon family in prayer and support, Dustin’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Plans for a memorial or funeral service have not yet been announced, but loved ones are already preparing to honor his life and legacy in the coming days.
“He was just 19. He had so much ahead of him,” one local resident said. “We will never forget Dustin. May he rest in peace.”
Our thoughts are with the Nixon family and all affected by this tragic loss.
Rest in peace, Dustin Nixon. Your light left us too soon, but your memory will never fade.