Florida Megachurch Pastor Zachery Tims Found Dead

New York City authorities have confirmed Zachery Tims, the senior pastor of a Florida megachurch, was found dead in a hotel room last Friday. NYC Police Department Sgt. John Bethorn said Tims was pronounced dead at the W Hotel in Times Square shortly after he was found around 6 p.m. the cause of death remains unknown and an autopsy is being conducted. Foul play is not suspected.

Tims, 42, founded New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida in 1996. The nondenominational church now has more than 8,000 members. New Destiny has not commented on Tims’ death. Condolences have already begin pouring in from other pastors, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Clint Brown of Orlando’s FaithWorld.

“I join many others in being saddened by the news of the death of Rev. Zachery Tims of Florida,” Sharpton Tweeted.

“My Heart is So heavy tonight... He was my friend for 17yrs since the first year I moved to Orlando... He built his great church on our property... We talked just about every week. We were Orlando Magic buddys, and we both loved our City and Churches. It will take Orlando a long time to get over this, Dr. Zachary Tims You will never ever be forgotten, Gone way to soon.... I miss you so much my heart is broken. I will say it like we said it every time we talked... Never Goodbye it was "See ya Later.” I Love you man...” Brown wrote Sunday on his Facebook page.

Tims is survived by his ex-wife Riva and four children.

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