Captain Helio Garcia was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and served with the South Fulton Police Department for more than six years. He previously served with the College Park Police Department and the Holly Springs Police Department and played a key role in helping establish the South Fulton Police Department when it was formed in 2018. He was one of the department’s original officers and helped build it from the ground up.

He is survived by his wife, Eliana Garcia, his children Angelina Rosa Pittman, Nicolas Anthony Garcia, and Isabella Echeverri, his parents Helio Armando Garcia Jr. and Ana Garcia, his brothers William Anthony Garcia and Jonathan Andrew Garcia, as well as many brothers and sisters in law enforcement. He is also reunited in heaven with his late son, Giovanni Armando Garcia.

Mrs. Garcia shared the following tribute:
“Helio was not only my husband, he was the love of my life and the steady heart of our family. He was a devoted father who loved his children with all of his heart. He also shared a special bond with our son-in-law, Jacob Pittman. Helio lived his life with integrity, strength, and an infectious kindness that touched everyone he met. Our hearts are broken by this loss, but we find comfort in the love he gave us and the memories we will carry forever. His legacy lives on in each of us. At this time, we ask for your prayers and privacy as we grieve. We are deeply grateful to the South Fulton Police Department, the City, and our entire community for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Captain Helio Garcia’s life was defined by service, courage, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Captain Helio Garcia Obituary

Police Officer David Rose was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to an active shooter at the CVS located at 520 Avenue Place in Atlanta, near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at Emory University.
At approximately 4:50 p.m., the suspect was brandishing multiple firearms and firing at windows of the CDC building. When law enforcement officers arrived on scene, the suspect turned and opened fire on them. Officer Rose was struck during the exchange and was transported to Emory University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. A second officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was later found on the second floor of the CVS with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Rose was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and had served with the DeKalb County Police Department for 11 months. He is survived by his expectant wife, his two children, his mother, and his brother.

In October 2025, Officer Rose was posthumously awarded the Law Enforcement Purple Heart and the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor by the Atlanta Police Department, the Mayor of Atlanta, and the DeKalb County CEO in recognition of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

Officer David Rose Obituary

Nicole Kristen (Greathead) Curran of Milton, Georgia passed away on April 30, 2025, leaving behind heavy hearts and countless cherished memories. She was 44.

“Nicole Curran will always be remembered as a bright light on and off the soccer field. Her contagious smile lifted the spirits of everyone around her, and her boundless enthusiasm inspired her teammates to give their best. More than just a player, Nicole was a true encourager, someone whose energy and positivity radiated through the team, leaving behind a legacy of joy, unity, and unwavering support. She truly loved the game.”

Nicole was happiest when spending time with her children or laughing with her friends and family. She had a rare ability to instantly connect with people through her radiant smile and effortless conversation. Though known for her outgoing nature, she also possessed a deep compassion that made her a loyal friend and a thoughtful listener.

From an early age, Nicole was drawn to soccer, a passion that led her to the University of Georgia on a soccer scholarship. She graduated from UGA in 2003 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Nicole went on to build a remarkable career at Insight Global, where she excelled as an Account Director for nearly 25 years. Her success was recognized with the Two Million Dollar Club Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Her love of sports never faded, and she remained a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan throughout her life. Above all else, Nicole’s greatest joy and deepest devotion were her children. She poured her heart into motherhood, loving Avery (8) and Kellan (5) with everything she had.

Nicole is survived by her children, Avery and Kellan Curran; her parents, Ian and Susan Greathead; and her brother and sister-in-law, Sean and Mako Greathead. Her light, strength, and unwavering love will forever live on through her children, her family, and all who were blessed to know her.

Nicole Curran Obituary and GoFund

PDavid Magala, beloved son, teammate, student, and soldier, passed away in April 2025. A native of Tucker, Georgia, David was a standout goalkeeper for the Clayton State University men’s soccer program and a respected leader both on and off the field.

In three seasons with the Lakers, David appeared in 24 matches, recorded 72 saves, earned five shutouts, and posted an impressive 12-4-5 career record. He allowed just 27 goals over his collegiate career, finishing with a 1.30 goals-against average. His performance earned him two Peach Belt Conference Goalkeeper of the Week honors.
David played a pivotal role in helping Clayton State advance to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in 20 years. In two unforgettable moments, he delivered under pressure by stopping penalty kicks against Lenoir-Rhyne in 2023 and Converse in 2024 to propel the Lakers forward in tournament play.

Off the field, David was studying Criminal Justice and was named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll. He also proudly served as a Sergeant in the Georgia Army National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to service and leadership beyond athletics.

David attended Tucker High School, where he led his team to a 9-0-1 record as a senior before the COVID-19 stoppage. He also helped guide his team to State Championship Quarterfinal appearances during both his sophomore and junior seasons.

David Magala will be remembered for his discipline, courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to his team, his education, and his country. His impact will continue to live on through his family, teammates, coaches, and all who were honored to know him. Our thoughts and prayers remain with David’s family, friends, and the entire Clayton State community who loved him deeply.

Clayton State Mourns Student Athlete, David Magala

Somers James Mello, 21, of Williamstown, passed away on January 5, 2025, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 11, 2003, in Marietta, Georgia, the son of the late Randall Mello and Marina Mello.

Somers is survived by his wife, Hailey Atkinson-Mello; his beloved daughter, Austin Mello; his twin brother, Hudson Mello; his mother, Marina Mello; his grandfather, Bob “CJ” Mello; his aunts, Camilla and Tanya; his cousins, Samara and Lucas; and his father-in-law, Bill Atkinson. In addition to his father, Somers was preceded in death by his aunt Lorraine, his mother-in-law Lynn Atkinson, his grandmother Judy, and his uncle Dean.

Somers was overjoyed to become a “girl dad” and was a devoted and loving father to his daughter, Austin. He transitioned seamlessly from a carefree young man into a proud and committed family man. He loved sports, especially basketball, volleyball, and tennis, and was known among friends as a fierce and enthusiastic fantasy basketball competitor. Somers participated in Regiment while attending school in Bermuda and was deeply proud to have grown up there and to be Bermudian. He was active, social, and genuine, with a spirit that drew people in. Above all else, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.

Funeral services for Somers will be held Friday, January 24, 2025, at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will take place the same day from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen North Cemetery in Parkersburg.

Somers James Mello Obituary

Dorothy “Dot” Smith’s journey into the world of soccer began as so many great stories do, simply as a devoted parent supporting her sons. What started on the sidelines quickly became a lifelong passion as she witnessed the powerful impact the game had on her children and the wider community.

Motivated by that impact, Dot began volunteering with the DeKalb Soccer Association and later with the Georgia State Soccer Association. Through these roles, she dedicated countless hours to growing access to the sport, promoting participation, and helping build excitement for soccer at the grassroots level and beyond.

Dot eventually stepped into a leadership role managing the soccer league and expanded it to create opportunities for men and women, while continuing to champion the development of young athletes. Her work nurtured not only athletic skill, but also connection, confidence, and a deep sense of community among players and families. She led and grew the league with tireless dedication until her retirement in 2014.

Dot was a giver in every sense of the word. Her impact reached far beyond the field, touching generations of players, parents, and volunteers who became her extended “soccer family.” She will be deeply missed by her loved ones and by the entire soccer community she helped shape with her time, heart, and leadership.

Dorothy Smith Obituary