River Scott May and River Steven Higgins Remembered After Tragic Incident in Augusta County, VA
Augusta County, VA — River Scott May, 26, of Mount Sidney, and River Steven Higgins, 23, of Dayton, are being remembered by family, friends, and a shaken community after both lost their lives in a violent incident during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025. Authorities in Augusta County have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event, which has left residents across the region stunned and grieving.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a disturbance in the early hours of Saturday morning. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that the situation had escalated into a deadly confrontation. Tragically, both young men were pronounced deceased at the scene. While officials have confirmed their identities, the full details surrounding the events remain under active investigation, and authorities have assured the public that they are working diligently to uncover exactly what happened and why.
This tragedy, occurring during what should have been a peaceful summer holiday weekend, has reverberated across Augusta County and surrounding areas. Both young men were known in their communities and had connections that stretched across families, workplaces, and social circles. Their sudden and violent passing has brought pain, shock, and deep sorrow to all who knew them.
A Community in Mourning
Mount Sidney and Dayton, two small towns located within the Shenandoah Valley, are closely connected communities where families know each other well and neighbors often become lifelong friends. The loss of two young lives under such tragic circumstances has left many reeling. Candlelight vigils, online memorials, and public expressions of grief have surfaced in the wake of the news, as residents gather to support the affected families and process the devastating turn of events.
River Scott May, described by those who knew him as determined, independent, and loyal, grew up in Mount Sidney and attended local schools. Friends recall his love of nature, strong work ethic, and a quiet sense of humor that could light up a room. Though he was private by nature, those closest to him knew a young man who cared deeply about the people in his life and valued honesty and loyalty above all.
“He was the kind of person who might not say much at first, but when he did, it mattered,” said one friend. “He stood by his friends and his word.”
River Steven Higgins, originally from Dayton, was known for his outgoing personality and a deep appreciation for music and creativity. Family members remember him as a young man who could bring life to any gathering and had a gift for connecting with people of all backgrounds. His smile, many said, was disarming, and his laugh infectious.
“Steven loved fiercely and lived loudly,” a family friend wrote in an emotional tribute. “He didn’t just walk into a room—he filled it.”
An Active Investigation
While grief continues to spread through the community, law enforcement is working carefully and methodically to determine the timeline of events. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the case is being treated with the highest priority and that forensic teams, investigators, and other agencies are assisting in gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
At this time, no additional information has been released regarding how the altercation began or what factors may have contributed to the confrontation. Authorities are asking the public for patience as the investigation progresses and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
“We understand the community’s need for answers, and we are committed to uncovering the truth,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the families of the young men whose lives were lost.”
In the absence of clear details, speculation has begun circulating online, prompting local officials and family representatives to urge the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions. The request is a reminder of the harm that misinformation can cause in a community already in pain.
Support and Solidarity
In the days following the incident, local organizations, churches, and mental health providers have stepped in to offer counseling, grief support, and spaces for collective healing. Augusta County school districts, where both young men attended in their youth, have extended their sympathies and made counselors available to students and alumni affected by the tragedy.
Community members are also organizing remembrance events and creating memorial funds to honor the lives of River Scott May and River Steven Higgins. Flowers, photographs, and handwritten notes have been placed at makeshift memorials in their respective hometowns—each message a tribute to the memory of two lives that ended far too soon.
“These boys were sons, brothers, friends,” one neighbor said. “We can’t let what happened define who they were. They deserve to be remembered for the love they gave, the laughter they shared, and the people they were becoming.”
Questions That Remain
While the community works through its grief, many are struggling with the complexity of emotions surrounding the loss. Shock, sadness, confusion, and anger all coexist in the wake of such a traumatic incident. The proximity in age, the nature of their relationship (which has not yet been disclosed by officials), and the suddenness of their passing have raised difficult questions about conflict, intervention, and community wellness.
Experts note that such tragedies often surface broader issues, including access to mental health care, conflict resolution, and social isolation among young adults. As the investigation unfolds, some local leaders are calling for expanded support networks and resources to help prevent future violence and create safer spaces for dialogue and connection.
“We need to talk to each other more, check on each other more, especially our young people,” said a local counselor involved in the community response. “Behind every tragedy, there are usually warning signs, missed opportunities, and unspoken struggles. We must learn from this—not just to grieve, but to grow.”
A Legacy of Reflection
Even as facts are still being gathered, the emotional response to this tragedy is a clear reflection of the deep community ties within Augusta County. People are turning to one another for comfort, seeking meaning, and holding tightly to memories. In the absence of answers, many are focusing on honoring the lives lost rather than reliving the final moments.
Both River Scott May and River Steven Higgins were young men with dreams, friendships, and family bonds that now remain as cherished legacies. As the days unfold, stories of their laughter, kindness, creativity, and strength are painting a fuller picture of who they were and the lives they touched.
Memorial services are expected to be announced in the coming days, offering opportunities for those who loved them to gather, grieve, and celebrate their lives. In the meantime, their photos continue to be shared across social media with messages of love, hope, and remembrance. The silence left behind by their absence is profound, but it is being filled with voices determined to carry their memories forward.
Looking Forward
The aftermath of such an event will undoubtedly leave a permanent mark on Augusta County. But in times of pain, communities often find strength in unity, and signs of that resilience are already emerging. From local businesses displaying messages of support, to neighbors checking in on one another, the region is proving once again that its spirit remains unbroken, even in the face of tragedy.
Authorities have asked for privacy for both families during this deeply painful time. They have also expressed appreciation for the community’s cooperation and patience as they work to uncover the full story. As updates become available, the public will be informed through verified channels.
For now, Augusta County mourns the loss of two young lives with heavy hearts. But in that grief is also an unmistakable resolve—to remember, to learn, and to come together.
