Matthew Warren struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for most of his life.
According to authorities Matthew Warren, the 27-year-old son of award winning author and evangelical Pastor Rick Warren, committed suicide Friday night at his Southern California home. The Associated Press reports that Saddleback Valley Community Church, which Pastor Warren founded in 1980, released a statement saying,
Matthew Warren struggled with mental illness, deep depression and suicidal thoughts throughout his life. 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.
Pastor Warren, who is the author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” told church staff in an email that he, his wife, and their son had enjoyed a “fun Friday evening” together, but Matthew returned home and in “a momentary wave of despair” took his own life. He said,
Over the years, Matthew had been treated by America’s best doctors, had received counseling and medication and been the recipient of numerous prayers from others.
You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man. 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.
Matthew was the youngest of Rick and Kay Warren’s three children.
If you are in need of support for suicidal feelings, please reach out for help.
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline is available 24 hours a day.
800-273-TALK (8255)
Photos: AP/File
This has been all over the news over the last day or so. Why is this so significant? For my part, it’s just another suicide. Can anyone explain to me why this one with more media worthy than others?
Thanks!
And I’m not being snarky. I honestly don’t understand why this is worth reporting on. Forgive my ignorance.