Matthew Warren Suicide Reason Related to Depression; Rick Warren's Son Dies From Self Inflicted Gunshot

How and why did Matthew Warren commit suicide?  ABC News reported that Saddleback church pastor Rick Warren's son was found dead in his Misison Viejo home.  According to a coroner, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  

Pastor Warren released a statement that suggests the reason for young Warren's death was related to his long-time struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.

In Pastor Warren's email to Saddleback church, he explained that "In spite of America's best doctors, meds, counselors and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided."

He also tweeted to nearly 1 million Twitter followers, "We pray"Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN' since in heaven God's Will is done #always. On earth,it's done rarely."

NBC News reported that an autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2013.  

It is unknown whether or not the late Warren had left behind any suicide note for his family and friends.

Below is the full letter written by Pastor Warren to his Saddleback church family:

To my dear Saddleback Family,

Over the past 33 years we've been together through every kind of crisis. Kay and I've been privileged to hold your hands as you faced a crisis or loss, stand with you at gravesides, and prayed for you when ill. Today, we need your prayer for us.

No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today.

You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man. He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable in a room. He'd then make a beeline to that person to engage and encourage them.

But only those closest knew that he struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts. In spite of America's best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided. Today, after a fun evening together with Kay and me, in a momentary wave of despair at his home, he took his life.

Kay and I often marveled at his courage to keep moving in spite of relentless pain. I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, "Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?" but he kept going for another decade.

Thank you for your love and prayers. We love you back.

Pastor Rick