Nicholas “Nic” Crews Obituary: 34-Year-Old Marietta Man Fatally Shot at Pickens VA Clinic

The Pickens County, Georgia community is mourning the tragic loss of Nicholas “Nic” Crews, 34, of Marietta, who was fatally shot while working at the Pickens County Veterans Affairs Clinic on Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026. Crews, a Social Work Case Manager, was critically injured during the shooting and was airlifted to a trauma hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on March 18, 2026.

Authorities identified the shooter as Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, of Jasper. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Michels had arrived at the VA clinic seeking a walk-in mental health consultation. Inside the facility, Michels shot Crews before exiting the building armed with a handgun.

Outside the clinic, Michels encountered responding law enforcement officers and an armed civilian, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Michels was struck during the confrontation and was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or other civilians were injured during the incident.

The GBI, requested by the Jasper Police Department, continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting and the events leading up to this tragic incident. Additional details are expected as the investigation progresses.

The Pickens County community, colleagues, friends, and family are mourning the untimely loss of Nicholas Crews, remembering him for his dedication to serving veterans and the lasting impact he made through his work.