The GBI identified Nic Crews, 34, of Marietta, because the social employee who died following the shooting on the Pickens VA clinic in Jasper on Mar. 17.
JASPER, Ga. — For Nicholas “Nic” Crews, serving to others was by no means simply a profession, his household stated it was a calling.
The 34-year-old was a son, brother, husband and father. He and his spouse Alyssa had been anticipating their third child any day.
Crews had lengthy felt drawn to serve, as soon as contemplating changing into a pastor earlier than finally pursuing a grasp’s diploma in social work so he may assist veterans combating psychological well being and entry to care.
“That’s what he felt called to do,” a member of the family instructed 11Alive. “He absolutely loved it.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated Crews was killed on Tuesday afternoon inside the Veterans Affairs clinic alongside East Church Street in Jasper.
The GBI stated the suspect, Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, of Jasper was on the clinic for a walk-in psychological well being session. Crews was at that individual clinic as a result of he was on name that day for the VA. His member of the family stated he targeted on walk-ins and on that individual day and obtained known as into that individual clinic in Jasper to assist with walk-ins.
Those closest to Crews stated the way in which he died displays precisely how he lived — serving others.
“He really wanted to help people,” the member of the family stated. “He wanted to bridge that gap for veterans who couldn’t get appointments, who needed someone right then.”
A life centered on service and faith
Before becoming a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs, one former co-worker stated Crews labored at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as a affected person sitter.
“He loved people so genuinely. And he was such a safe and calming presence. I remember seeing him after difficult days or as we were switching shifts and feeling so seen and cared for by him,” the girl wrote.
That compassion led him to pursue a profession in social work, a path those that knew him say felt inevitable.
“I remember when he told me he was going to get his master’s in social work and thinking, of course Nic would want to do that,” the previous colleague wrote. “He really cared to his core, and gave his life in service to others”
Crews was deeply rooted in his faith and, in keeping with his household, carried that into each facet of his life.
A faithful husband, father and brother
Beyond his work, Crews’ best pleasure was at dwelling.
He is survived by his spouse, Alyssa, who’s 38 weeks pregnant with their third little one, and the couple’s two younger youngsters.
“This family was his world,” the member of the family stated.
Crews had simply celebrated his thirty fourth birthday on March 14, simply three days earlier than the shooting.
He was described because the “life of the party, in a good way” someone who was “always hilarious” and full of vitality, but additionally deeply reliable.
“He was the big brother who was always helping his younger brother,” his household stated. “He was so full of life.”
The investigation
On Thursday, the GBI identified Crews and the shooter, Lawrence Michels. 11Alive has confirmed that Michels lived lower than 10 minutes from the VA clinic the place the shooting occurred.
While the GBI confirmed he did present up for a a walk-in psychological well being session, the company hasn’t launched any particulars on the moments that led as much as the shooting.
After shooting the Crews, the GBI stated Michels exited the clinic and encountered law enforcement officials and an armed civilian.
The GBI stated Michels was armed with a handgun and sooner or later photographs had been fired with officers and civilian. Michels was hit and died on scene.
This investigation is energetic and ongoing.
