Zachery Tims Death: Florida Pastor's Ex-Wife Not Involved in Lawsuit
Apopka, Fla. pastor Zachery Tim's ex-wife is not involved in a lawsuit filed by Tim's mother to keep the late pastor's cause of death a secret, according to a Facebook status posted by Riva Tims.
"Dear Facebook Family, I wanted to clear up a matter that has recently come to my attention," read the post, published Sunday night.
"There are several news articles claiming that my ex-husband’s mother and I are suing the City of New York to keep his cause of death secret. I was not aware that his mother filed suit and I am in no way involved in this matter. I have not filed suit and I don’t plan to file suit in the future."
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The post came amid reports that the New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) pastor's ex-wife and mother had filed a lawsuit against the City of New York and the medical examiner's office to keep Tims' autopsy results confidential. The 42-year-old pastor was found dead in a New York City hotel room on Aug. 12, 2011, with sources claiming that a small envelope of white powder was found in Tims' pants pocket.
Tims founded NDCC along with his then-wife in 1996, and since then the congregation has grown to about 8000 members. Throughout his career, Tims appeared on many Christian radio and television programs and was known to have battled a drug addiction, which he wrote about in a memoir entitled It's Never Too Late.
Tims supporters responded to the post with messages of encouragement and hope.
"Pastor Riva, I love the fact the you address this issue, but truthfully this is non of other peoples business," said one user.
"Lies are going to be spread because there is no business like church gossip! Stay strong in the power of the Almighty God we service! You are a woman of character and integrity! Let them talk! You continue to walk in the anointing and calling! Be very encouraged! You are in our prayers!"
