Nicholas Crews and Lawrence Charles Michels Jasper, GA Death, Obituary: Tragic Loss

The Pickens County community is in mourning following a tragic and violent event at the Pickens County Veterans Affairs Clinic on March 17, 2026, which claimed the lives of Nicholas “Nic” Crews, 34, of Marietta, and Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, of Jasper. Authorities confirmed that Nic Crews, a Social Work Case Manager dedicated to helping veterans, was critically injured in the shooting and later succumbed to his wounds on March 18.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Michels, who had sought a walk-in mental health consultation at the clinic, shot Crews before fleeing the scene. An exchange of gunfire between Michels and responding law enforcement officers, as well as an armed civilian, led to Michels’ death at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.

Nic Crews’ loss has deeply affected the community and all those who knew him. He was a man of great empathy, professionalism, and compassion, providing vital support to veterans as they navigated the often difficult challenges of mental health and life after service. His work was a calling, and he approached each day with a sense of duty and dedication to those in need, offering a calming presence and the understanding that so many individuals required.

For his colleagues and the many veterans whose lives he touched, Nic was a source of hope and stability in a world often filled with uncertainty. His passing not only leaves a personal void for his loved ones but also marks the loss of a passionate advocate who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of others.

As the investigation continues, there is a broader focus on honoring Nic’s memory and acknowledging the essential role of mental health care in preventing tragedies like this. His life was one of service, and his legacy will endure through the countless lives he impacted.

Our thoughts are with Nic Crews’ family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this profound loss. May his service be remembered, and may his spirit rest in peace.