Rick Warren’s son commits suicide

• Rick Warren wrote the self-help book, “The Purpose-Driven Life”
• The pastor’s youngest son committed suicide, according to a family statement

A very sad story to report this morning. Pastor Rick Warren’s son Matthew has committed suicide. The Warren family released a statement Saturday saying the 27-year-old had struggled with a lifelong battle with mental illness.

Police say Matthew Warren died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. His body was found in Mission Viejo, California, on Friday. Rick Warren said his youngest son took his life “in a momentary wave of despair at his home.”

Rick Warren wrote the best-seller self-help book, “The Purpose-Driven Life.” He is also a pioneer of the megachurch movement.