BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A family is grieving after the loss of 37-year-old Shawn Lauver.

Lauver, a Brunswick County resident, died after getting into a car crash and jumping off a bridge in Georgetown, South Carolina on July 14. His body was found two days later.

His mom, Eveanne Lauver, believes her son didn’t want to die when he took that jump.

“The person that jumped over the bridge was not Shawn. He was a survivor,” Lauver said.

Lauver says her son served 20 years in the army as an aviation technician mechanic. During his service, he earned many decorations including an Army Commendation Medal and an Army Achievement Medal.

Once he returned from service, Lauver says she recognized her son was struggling with PTSD and needed help. Lauver says he was admitted to a veteran’s hospital but was released just three days later. She wishes her son had access to better resources to help him get through it.

“They’re coming home from being away from year to year and a half in a third country war. We’re deactivating them in two or three days and saying, okay, you’re good to go,” Lauver said.

Lauver hopes her son’s story will encourage people to check on their veteran friends and family members more often.

“We comfort our soldiers and veterans when they come home from the war. And we see them for a week or two. But are you checking back with them in three months? Six months? Nine months?” Lauver said.

Now, Lauver is advocating for laws to support veteran’s mental health, whether it’s requiring counseling or support groups when they return from service.

“As a mom, it was heartbreaking. Especially knowing my son, then seeing the vehicle. And knowing what his demons were, it’s, it’s heartbreaking. It’s a worst nightmare ever,” Lauver said.

The family will be holding a memorial service for Shawn at the Oak Island VFW on Tuesday, July 30. It will be open to the public.

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