Officials Identify Lake Sweetwater Drowning Victim

SWEETWATER – The Nolan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday it was notified of a body found south of Lake Sweetwater Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023 near FM-2035 and County Road 230 where Bitter Creek enters the far south end of Lake Sweetwater.

“Our investigation revealed that the victim apparently died as a result of an accidental drowning.  It appears that the victim likely fell from an elevated position in a tree alongside the creek and landed face down in the water.  The body was discovered initially by a friend and a family member of the deceased.  There were no indications of foul play, but a complete autopsy was performed this week by Texas Panhandle Forensics in Lubbock.  The preliminary pathology report lists the manner of death as being accidental with the cause being asphyxia due to drowning,” Sheriff David Warren stated.

According to Sheriff Warren, “The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Robert Anthony Strzelec Jr., of Nolan County.  Our investigation will remain open until the final complete autopsy report gets to us which should be in about three weeks.  We were assisted in this investigation by our local Texas DPS office and our area Texas Ranger.  Members of the Sweetwater Fire Department and Lake Sweetwater Volunteer Fire Department assisted with our efforts including the recovery of the body.  Again, this appears to be a tragic accident and our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Robbie Strzelec.”