Pastor Zachery Tims Dead: Toxicology Tests Pending; Autopsy Inconclusive
NEW YORK – The mystery surrounding the cause of death for Pastor Zachery Tims, founder of the Florida-based megachurch New Destiny Christian Center, continues after an autopsy proved inconclusive.
The New York Medical Examiner's Office told The Christian Post on Monday that the autopsy on Tims was performed and completed Saturday.
Tissue and toxicology tests are pending, a representative at the medical examiner's office told CP. The test results are expected to take three to four weeks.
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Tims, 42, was found dead by cleaning staff in his room at the W Hotel in Times Square around 6 p.m. Friday.
New York City police said his death was not suspicious and no criminal activity was suspected.
On Monday, new details emerged in the possible causes of Tims' death.
The New York Daily News reported Monday that Tims' death could have been due to a possible drug overdose. The paper cited a police source saying that the Florida pastor was found with "a small glassine envelope containing a white powder" that was inside his pocket.
The church he founded, New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Fla., said it would issue a formal statement on his death Monday night.
According to his biography on the church's website, Tims had a troubled youth before he was "miraculously saved, instantly delivered from drug addiction, and called into ministry."
The preacher was reportedly in New York City for the weekend to speak at a church, according to WFTV.
Tims leaves behind four children.
