Rick Warren Son Matthew Commits Suicide (VIDEO)

Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren.

The Saddleback Valley Community Church announced on Saturday that Pastor Rick and Kay Warren’s youngest son, Matthew, has committed suicide after the 27-year-old’s long struggle with mental illness.

In a statement, the evangelical megachurch remembered the son as “an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many.” Matthew apparently suffered from mental illness, depression, and suicidal tendencies. He took his own life on Friday.

“Despite the best healthcare available, this was an illness that was never fully controlled and the emotional pain resulted in his decision to take his life,” the statement said.

The Southern Californian megachurch was founded in 1980 by Pastor Warren, who has become an influential evangelist and author of well-known books like The Purpose Driven Life.

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