Tragic Reunion: The Road to Violence of Former Marine Nigel Edge

Tue Nov 18 2025 16:54:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The complex journey of Nigel Edge, a former Marine sniper whose estrangement led to a shocking act of violence in North Carolina. This article delves into his troubled past, struggles with mental health, and the tragic events that unfolded.

Nigel Edge, a former Marine sniper estranged from his friends and family, committed a fatal shooting at a bar in Southport, NC, after years of mental health struggles. Despite warning signs, attempts to seek intervention for Edge’s unstable condition were unsuccessful. Authorities debate the need for stronger mental health laws amid the fallout from this tragedy.

Nearly seven years of estrangement ended when Marc Simmons encountered his old friend, Nigel Edge, who falsely accused him of identity theft. The two had previously served together in Iraq, and at one time, Edge was part of Simmons’ family. Simmons' fears of Edge's instability prompted him to seek a protective order.

In May, Simmons characterized Edge as 'mentally unstable' and noted that he constantly carried a pistol while taking high doses of anxiety-inducing medications. Tragically, four months later, Edge, armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire in a crowded bar, resulting in three deaths and five injuries.

Now facing charges for first-degree murder and attempted murder, Edge has been in jail without bond since the September 27 shooting at the American Fish Company.

Intervention Options

Before the shooting, police discovered multiple firearms in Edge's car, boat, and home, underscoring concerns raised by local officials about the need for 'red flag laws' to prevent individuals seen as threats from accessing firearms.

Despite warnings, the potential for involuntary commitment to address Edge's mental health issues, available to anyone, was seemingly overlooked by those closest to him.

Understanding the Deterioration

Edge’s military career ended after he was severely wounded during his second Iraq deployment, leading to a medical retirement. Former friends recalled how, after his return, he began exhibiting increasingly paranoid behavior, culminating in estrangement from his loved ones and a path to loneliness.

Adele Crowl, one of Edge’s past acquaintances, recalled disturbing conversations that deviated significantly from his earlier demeanor. Edge's mental state reportedly faltered over time, leading him to file baseless lawsuits against friends and family, alleging conspiracy against him.

Falling Through the Cracks

Calls for intervention went unheard, reflective of broader systemic failures to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and a lack of robust policies to enable timely and effective intervention.

Even as authorities grapple with the implications of the shooting, many are questioning their capability to intervene in similar situations, with experts highlighting that individuals like Edge can fall through societal cracks.

In the aftermath, Edge continues to pursue litigation even from behind bars, signifying a troubling trajectory that leaves many wondering how such tragedies might be prevented in the future.