Zachery Tims Dead: Media Tributes Pour in (VIDEOS)
Zachery Tims, Florida megachurch pastor, was found dead in a Times Square hotel room on Friday, and since then followers have offered their support through social media and tribute videos.
Tims’ body was found by a maintenance worker going to check the minibar in his W Hotel bedroom. The Wall Street Journal reported that the worker opened the door and saw Tims lying on his back between the bedroom and the living room. Police officials said they found a glassine envelope with a white powdery substance in the right pocket of his pants.
An officer familiar with the case told the WSJ, “What that white powdery substance is and whether it played a role in Mr. Tims’ death is still to be determined.”
On Monday, the New York Medical Examiner’s Office told The Christian Post that Tims’ autopsy was performed and completed Saturday.
Tissue and toxicology tests are pending and the results are expected to take three to four weeks, a representative at the medical examiner’s officer told CP.
In 1996, Tims and his family founded the New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida, where he served as senior pastor. According to the NDCC website, the church has a congregation of about 8,000 members.
The news of Tims’ death was a huge shock and condolences and tributes remembering the pastor have been posted to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
"Today my heart is grieved over the loss of my spiritual son and long time friend and associate, Pastor Zachery Tims," megachurch pastor Paula White said on her Facebook page.
Val Flan wrote on NDCC’s Facebook page, “Was shocked and sadden by this devastating news. My deepest condolences to the Tims family. Rest assure(d) he is in Gods care.”
@TGreeneStuff tweeted, “My heart is so heavy over Pastor Zachery Tims…I’m emotionally torn.”
Other followers remembered Tims through video. Some of the YouTube tributes are below: