On Friday, July 18, 2025, the life of 32-year-old Crystal Lee Donahue Marschel, a White/Caucasian female, was tragically cut short in what was later determined to be a murder-suicide. Authorities were called to perform a welfare check at a residence on the 600 block of River Valley Road in Pierz, Minnesota, at approximately 10:36 a.m. Upon entering the home, officers from the Pierz Police Department and the Morrison County Sheriff's Office discovered the bodies of Marschel and her 34-year-old
boyfriend, John Gans of Rice, Minnesota.
The investigation, assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, revealed that both individuals had died from gunshot wounds. A. 40 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office conducted autopsies and ruled Marschel's death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Gans' death was ruled a suicide. Authorities stated they believed it was an isolated incident and that there was no further threat to the public.
Crystal, born on June 26, 1993, was a mother to two young children, Ellie and Clayton, who were the center of her universe. She had graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in education and had a passion for coaching. At the time of her death, she was working as a physical education and health teacher and a track coach at Isle High School. Both Marschel and Gans had previously been teachers at the same middle school in the Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools district until 2024. Described as a warm and vibrant soul who loved the outdoors, her sudden loss has deeply affected her family, friends, and the school communities she served. A memorial service was held for her on August 2, 2025.
