JASPER, Ga. — A North Georgia community is mourning after a tragic shooting at the Pickens VA Clinic in Jasper left two people dead and remains under active investigation. The heartbreaking incident has shaken residents and raised concerns about safety at a place meant for care and support.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that agents were called by the Jasper Police Department to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred on March 17 at the VA outpatient clinic on East Church Street. Authorities say the violence began inside the facility during the afternoon hours.

According to investigators, 34-year-old Nicholas “Nic” Crews of Marietta was working as a social work case manager when he was shot by 51-year-old Lawrence Charles Michels of Jasper. Officials said Michels had come to the clinic seeking a walk-in mental health consultation before the situation turned deadly around 1:30 p.m.

Crews suffered critical injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center, where doctors worked to save his life. Despite those efforts, he tragically died the following day, March 18. His death has been especially painful for loved ones, as he was a devoted husband and father who was expecting his third child.

Authorities said Michels left the building after the shooting while still armed with a handgun. Outside, he encountered responding law enforcement officers and an armed civilian. A gunfire exchange followed, during which Michels was shot and killed at the scene. Officials confirmed that no officers were injured in the incident.

Beyond the investigation, the loss of Nic Crews has deeply affected the community. He is remembered as a man of faith who had recently returned to school to pursue social work, driven by a desire to help others. As his family now faces both emotional and financial hardship, the community is coming together to offer support. Meanwhile, authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and more details will be released as they become available.