Video shows moment South Carolina pastor tells his congregation that his wife died by suicide

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By James Kay

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A video has emerged of a South Carolina pastor heartbreakingly telling his congregation that his wife died by suicide, though her family want investigations to remain open.

As previously reported, Mica Miller, aged 30, passed away on April 27 in Lumber River State Park.

She was found with a gunshot wound to the side of her head.

During a Sunday service at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Pastor John-Paul Miller stunned worshippers with the news of his wife's passing.


According to reports from the New York Post, he shared: "I got a call late last night, my wife has passed away. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina."

Miller expressed the challenges his wife faced, saying: "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."

He revealed Mica's previous struggles with suicidal thoughts, yet emphasizing his belief in divine intervention, stating: "She battled suicide but God took care of her and got her through it."

Watch Miller face his congregation below:

Robeson County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Johnson clarified that the wound was not located in the back of the head, countering previous speculation, per PEOPLE.

Although he wasn't the on-call medical examiner at the time of Mica's death, he was present at the scene.

In response to the release of information about Mica's death by the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office issued a statement on Facebook.

The statement assured: "Sheriff Burnis Wilkins has scheduled a meeting with the family of Mica and will be releasing more detailed information to substantiate the medical examiner findings tomorrow evening."

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

Kenn Young, a friend of Mica's, emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny, stating: "This has to be at least looked into deeply. There’s got to be some accountability here."

The relationship between Mica and Miller was reportedly strained, with divorce proceedings underway, as per reports from ABC 30.

Prior to her death, Mica had shared a video on Facebook addressing the topic of abuse, offering advice to those in similar situations.

Court documents, as reported by the New York Post, reveal a turbulent history between Mica and Miller.

Despite a previous divorce filing and subsequent dismissal, both parties sought separate support and maintenance, with Mica reportedly seeking a no-contact order.

Amidst the unfolding tragedy, Major Damien McLean of the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office assured the public that authorities are actively investigating Mica's death.

He stated: "Officers are in the process of gathering information from people in South and North Carolina as part of their investigation into how Miller died."


Mica's sister wrote on social media: "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."

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: Erica Shires/Getty