The evangelical megachurch announced the death of the 27-year-old in a statement. He died Friday night.
© credit: Saddleback ChurchRick Warren’s son, Matthew, died Friday evening.
"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."
Founded in 1980 by Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church serves the Southern California community with several locations, including one in Lake Forest.
Church services were held Saturday evening but Warren was not expected to attend.
"We're in deep pain for the family, just hurting for them," said Sandra Maddox, who attends the church and is a friend of the Warren family. "He was loving and sweet, extremely intelligent and a bright young man."
"I've walked the road he's going down right now and it's hard," Ron Maddox said through tears. The Maddox family lost their daughter 10 years ago and said they understand how painful this must be for the pastor.
In 2008, the church sponsored a presidential forum between Barack Obama and John McCain. They had arranged to do it again in 2012 but Warren canceled several days beforehand, saying he wanted no part in the mudslinging between Obama and Mitt Romney.
In 2009, Warren gave the invocation at President Obama's inauguration.
The pastor is also known for authoring, The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, according to the church's website.
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