California Megachurch Pastor And Mental Health Advocate Found Dead From Suicide

A California megachurch pastor and mental health advocate was found dead Monday after committing suicide.

Jarrid Wilson, 30, had been serving as a pastor for Harvest Christian Fellowship Church in Riverside, California, for 18 months. He had also co-founded the Christian organization, Anthem for Hope, to provide help and care for people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. According to Christianity Today, his death was confirmed Monday evening, though the details have not been released.

Wilson had been an outspoken advocate for those suffering from depression, often posting about his own depression on his personal Twitter. He had also been active on Monday, making several posts about suicide in the day leading up to his own.

“At a time like this, there are just no words,” Harvest senior pastor Greg Laurie posted on the church’s blog.

Laurie continued: “Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not. At the end of the day, pastors are just people who need to reach out to God for His help and strength, each and every day.”

Wilson's wife, Julianne Wilson, also posted to Instagram to speak about her husband and suicide.

Wilson is survived by his wife and their two sons.

Wilson’s death also comes during National Suicide Prevention Week, which aims to educate people about warning signs and the resources available to help. For anyone seeking health, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.