Rick Warren's son commits suicide

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Matthew Warren, son of Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, died Friday night of an apparent suicide.

The 27-year-old suffered from a mental illness that led to depression and suicidal thoughts, according to a statement issued by the church.

“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. “We ask everyone to join us in praying for the entire Warren family and that God’s comfort and peace will be with them as they deal with this difficult situation.”

The statement described Matthew Warren, the couple’s youngest child, as kind, gentle, and compassionate.

On Saturday, hundreds of people left condolences on Rick Warren’s Facebook page in response to his post about God’s will: “We pray ‘Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’ since in heaven God’s Will is done #always. On earth, it’s done rarely.”

Leigh Jones

Leigh is features editor for WORLD. She is a World Journalism Institute graduate who spent six years as a newspaper reporter in Texas before joining WORLD News Group. Leigh also co-wrote Infinite Monster: Courage, Hope, and Resurrection in the Face of One of America's Largest Hurricanes. She resides with her husband and daughter in Houston, Texas.