Idaho congregants are grieving the loss of their pastor, who apparently took his own life this week. Gene Jacobs, pastor of Real Life Ministries Silver Valley in Pinehurst, Idaho, went missing early on April 22, and search teams located his body that evening. According to police, the 59-year-old Idaho pastor died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and foul play isn’t suspected.
In a Facebook post, the church acknowledged the “huge loss” without mentioning a cause of death. It pledged to do its best by “ministering to the needs of our congregation and the community.”
Idaho Pastor Didn’t Show Up to a Morning Meeting
According to police, Jacobs didn’t arrive at the church Tuesday for a 6 a.m. meeting, and elders were unable to reach him. Jacobs’ wife said he had left home about 5:30 a.m. on foot, as usual. By 8 a.m., elders had contacted police, who requested assistance from the local sheriff’s department.
RELATED: Church Groundskeeper Beaten and Robbed in Broad Daylight
Tracking data from Jacobs’ cell phone was unavailable, indicating he may have shut it off. Police said after they were informed about “potential threats” against the pastor, they briefly investigated “the possibility of an abduction.” But soon they found his water bottle along a trail he often hiked. Search teams included a tracking dog, drones, foot and air patrols, and a helicopter.
Rescuers found Jacobs’ body in a “remote, steep, and wooded location,” police said. “Initial indication is that Pastor Gene Jacobs died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Based on the investigation and evidence so far, there is no reason to suspect foul play, but to ensure a complete investigation, an autopsy is scheduled.”
Church: ‘God Promises To Be Near in Time of Loss’
Jacobs, a graduate of Boise Bible College, was a husband and father of two adult children. His church requested that people show “grace in giving [his family] time and space to heal.”
Darleen Kelley, Jacobs’ mother, posted a note of thanks to the church, law enforcement, and volunteers who helped with the search. “The Sheriff’s Department said that he did commit suicide so we don’t know what demons he had or what was…bothering him. We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors,” she wrote. “But I’m sad to say my son did commit suicide. I’ll miss him he’ll be in my heart forever thank you all for your prayers.”
Jacobs’ church opened its sanctuary Thursday evening for “prayer and support.” On social media, it has been sharing Bible verses and words of comfort.
