South Carolina pastor shocks Sunday congregation by announcing that his wife had taken her own life

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By Kim Novak

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A pastor left his congregation shocked after announcing that his wife had taken her own life during a Sunday service, and her heartbroken family want police to investigate her death.

Mica Miller, 30, died on April 27 in Lumber River State Park, having been found with a fatal gunshot wound to her head.

After her tragic death, her husband, pastor John-Paul Miller, left his congregation at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, speechless after he announced her death during a Sunday service.

He told worshippers: "I got a call late last night, my wife has passed away. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina," according to the New York Post.


He reportedly added: "Y’all pray for me and my kids and everybody. You all knew she wasn’t well mentally and she needed medicine that was hard to get to her. I’m sure there will be more details to come, but keep her family in your prayers.

"She had struggled with suicide before. Each time we would help her through it and take her to the doctor, and we got through it and everything was fine. She even gave a few testimonies here at church that we have on video.

"She battled suicide but God took care of her and got her through it."

Mica's heartbroken family has since urged police to "deeply investigate" her tragic death, so that "accountability" can be served.

Kenn Young told WPDE: "This has to be at least looked into deeply. There’s got to be some accountability here,.

"Because yeah, a tragic life was lost, and it’s not just as simple as mental health issues."

GettyImages-1471901981.jpgThe pastor announced his wife's death in church. Credit: James Brokensha Photography/Getty Images

Mica's sister added on Facebook: "There is a lot of talk already going on so I want to set the record straight. Our sister Mica Miller passed away yesterday. Please do not listen to false stories being shared about her.

"Mica was a God-fearing, joyful, loving woman who did not deserve the abuse she endured.

"If you hear anything about this from anyone other than her family please question it, reach out to her siblings or parents.

"Keep our family in your prayers and if you have any information that needs to be shared please contact one of us. Please respect us in this time and honor her memory with joy that she is no longer suffering. #justiceformica."


According to court documents seen by the New York Post, Mica had filed for divorce from John-Paul in October 2023 but the filing was dismissed in February 2024.

Just a few days after the dismissal, John-Paul reportedky filed for 'separate support and maintenance' while Mica also filed for 'separate support and maintenance' in April, with the outlet claiming that Mica had also sought a 'no contact order'.

Major Damien McLean of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office told WPDE that officers are investigating Mica's death, explaining: "Officers are in the process of gathering information from people in South and North Carolina as part of their investigation into how Miller died."

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Featured image credit: James Brokensha Photography/Getty Images