The Tragic Death of Matthew Warren, Son of Pastor Rick Warren
The world was shocked when news broke of the tragic death of Matthew Warren, son of Pastor Rick Warren, on April 5, 2013. Matthew, who was 27 years old at the time, had been struggling with mental illness for many years. His death was a devastating blow to his family, friends, and the millions of people around the world who had been inspired by his father’s ministry.
Rick Warren is the pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and the author of the best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life. He and his wife, Kay, had three children, including Matthew. In a statement released shortly after Matthew’s death, Rick and Kay said, “Despite a lifetime of struggle and treatment, he was unable to overcome the demons that tormented him.”
The Warrens had been open about Matthew’s struggles with mental illness, and had been vocal advocates for mental health awareness. In a 2011 interview with CNN, Rick Warren said, “We’ve been very open about our son’s mental illness. We’ve talked about it in our church, we’ve talked about it in our books, we’ve talked about it in our interviews. We’ve tried to be very open about it, because we want to help other families.”
In the wake of Matthew’s death, the Warrens have continued to be vocal advocates for mental health awareness. In a statement released shortly after Matthew’s death, Rick and Kay said, “We have learned that the only way to help a person who is struggling with mental illness is to get them the help they need. We urge everyone to be aware of the signs of mental illness and to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling.”
The Warrens have also established the Matthew Warren Mental Health Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families who are struggling with mental illness. The fund has raised over $2 million since its inception in 2013.
The Warrens have also used their platform to speak out against the stigma surrounding mental illness. In a 2014 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rick Warren said, “We need to stop the stigma of mental illness. We need to stop the shame. We need to stop the silence. We need to start talking about it.”
The Warrens’ advocacy for mental health awareness has been an inspiration to many. In a statement released shortly after Matthew’s death, Rick and Kay said, “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from around the world. We are comforted to know that Matthew’s life has made a difference in the lives of so many.”
The tragic death of Matthew Warren has been a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating effects of mental illness. But it has also been a reminder of the power of love and support, and the importance of speaking out against the stigma surrounding mental illness. The Warrens’ advocacy for mental health awareness has been an inspiration to many, and their legacy will continue to live on in the lives of those they have touched.
