Matthew Warren, Son Of Pastor Rick Warren, Commits Suicide At 27

Son of Evangelical pastor Rick Warren, Matthew Warren, committed suicide on Saturday. He was 27.

Warren’s son died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Orange County Coroner’s Office’s Depurt Daniel Aiken, reported CNN.

"Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many," the church's statement said. "Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness resulting in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite the best health care available, this was an illness that was never fully controlled and the emotional pain resulted in his decision to take his life.

"You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man," Warren wrote. "He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable in a room. He'd then make a bee-line to that person to engage and encourage them."

Warren, who headed the Saddleback Valley Community Church near Los Angeles, emailed his congregation to report his news. He relayed to them that on Friday that he, his wife and their son had spent an enjoyable evening together. However, it was the following day, that Matthew Warren committed suicide after “a momentary wave of despair at his home.”

The Purpose Driven Life author went on to state that his son had been treated by the best the country has to offer in the way of doctors, medication, counseling and prayer.