Nic Crews, 34, was at work doing what he loved—helping veterans at the Pickens VA clinic in Jasper, Georgia—when a senseless act of violence shattered his life and the lives of those around him. On March 17, Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, walked into the clinic requesting a mental health visit. At 1:30 p.m., he opened fire, striking Crews, a case manager who had nothing to do with Michels’ visit.
Crews was airlifted to a trauma center but succumbed to his injuries the following day, March 18. He was more than a dedicated social worker; he was a husband, a father of two, and weeks or months away from welcoming his third child. His family, colleagues, and community are left reeling, grappling with a void that can never be filled.
After shooting Crews, Michels exited the building armed. Responding officers and an armed civilian confronted him, and he was fatally shot at the scene. No officers were injured during the exchange. Authorities are still investigating the full circumstances that led Michels to the clinic that afternoon, and many details remain unconfirmed.
Nic Crews had recently returned to school to further sharpen his skills in social work—a profession dedicated to helping others. That his life ended while in service to others makes the tragedy all the more profound.
The VA, the community, and the families affected are left mourning a life cut tragically short. Crews’ commitment to helping veterans, his devotion to his family, and his plans for the future are now memories cherished by those who loved him.
