VA Clinic Worker Killed in Shooting, Leaving Behind Pregnant Wife and Kids

Nicholas Crews, 34, was a devoted husband, father, and social worker who was tragically killed at his workplace.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Nicholas 'Nic' Crews, a 34-year-old social work case manager at a VA clinic in Jasper, Georgia, was shot and killed on March 17 by a 51-year-old patient named Charles Michels. Crews leaves behind his 38-weeks pregnant wife, Alyssa, and their two young children. Crews was remembered by his family and community as a deeply compassionate and committed man who lived life to the fullest.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks that healthcare workers, especially those serving vulnerable populations like veterans, can face in the line of duty. It also underscores the immense personal and community impact when a devoted family member and public servant is lost to violence.

The details

According to authorities, Michels was at the VA clinic for a mental health consultation when he shot and killed Crews. Michels then exchanged gunfire with police and an armed civilian before being fatally shot. No officers were injured. Crews was rushed to a trauma hospital but died the following day on March 18.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 pm on March 17, 2026.
  • Crews passed away on March 18, 2026.
  • Crews' funeral was held on March 22, 2026.

The players

Nicholas 'Nic' Crews

A 34-year-old social work case manager at a VA clinic in Jasper, Georgia, who was killed in a shooting at his workplace. He was remembered as a deeply compassionate and committed man who was devoted to his family and his work serving veterans.

Alyssa Crews

The 38-weeks pregnant wife of Nicholas Crews, who is now left to raise their two young children alone after her husband's tragic death.

Charles Michels

A 51-year-old man from Jasper, Georgia, who shot and killed Nicholas Crews at the VA clinic before being fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with police and an armed civilian.

Cody Porter

A friend of Nicholas Crews for over 13 years who recalled Crews' vibrant and compassionate spirit.

Joe Mulligan

A coworker of Nicholas Crews at the VA clinic who praised Crews' faithful and relentless commitment to serving veterans.

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What they’re saying

“Nic lived a life marked by compassion, courage and calling. He believed deeply in showing up for people in their hardest moments, and he did so with humility, kindness, and unwavering faith.”

— Alyssa Crews, Wife of Nicholas Crews

“Nic made life more vibrant, more epic. There was nothing mundane about him. He was a living legend. … There are probably eight of us who would each say we were his closest friend—and he made each of us feel that way. That's the kind of man he was.”

— Cody Porter, Friend of Nicholas Crews

“Nic's faithful and relentless commitment to serving the mission of providing care to America's veterans was evident and continuously on display. He served this special population with compassion, integrity, respect, and with the utmost concern in promoting healing and recovery for our nation's wounded.”

— Joe Mulligan, Coworker of Nicholas Crews

What’s next

A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the Crews family with their needs and to provide long-term support for Alyssa and the children.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the risks that healthcare workers, especially those serving vulnerable populations, can face, and the immense personal and community impact when a devoted public servant is lost to violence. It also highlights the importance of supporting families left behind in the aftermath of such senseless acts.