Rick Warren informed his Saddleback Church members by a letter that his 27-year old son has committed suicide today Saturday, Arpil 6, 2013, according to Fox News.
Matthew had struggled with mental illness and deep depression throughout his life, according to a statement issued by Warren's Saddleback Community Church today.
"Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many," the statement said.
NBC News reported that Matthew Warren was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound Friday in his home in Mission Viejo, Calif., according to supervising deputy Dan Aikin of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner's Department.
Rick Warren said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son before Matthew Warren returned home to take his life in "a momentary wave of despair."
Church spokeswoman Kristin Cole said he died Friday night.
The statement issued also 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."
Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life," said that over the years Matthew Warren had been treated by America's best doctors, had received counseling and medication and been the recipient of numerous prayers from others.
His father remembered, "I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said 'Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?"
In spite of that, the pastor of the mega-church in Southern California, said, his son lived for another ten years during which he often reached out to help others.
Warren wrote, "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 beeline to that person to engage and encourage them."
Rick Warren founded Saddleback Church in 1980 with his wife and one other couple in an apartment. Under his charismatic leadership membership grew to 20,000 members. He and wife Kay began by holding Bible studies for people who weren't regular churchgoers.
The church now offers more than 200 community ministries and support groups for parents, families, children, couples, prisoners, addicts and people living with HIV, depression and other illnesses.
Warren was named the top newsmaker of the year for 2009 by the Religion Newswriters Association.
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