A Minnesota church community is grieving after a young pastor and his 3-year-old son were killed in a devastating interstate accident that left his pregnant wife seriously injured.
Stephen Clayton, 31, a pastor at Becker Evangelical Free Church, and his son, David, died Oct. 12 while their family was traveling home to Monticello, Minnesota, following a visit with relatives in Spearfish, South Dakota, according to Bring Me The News.
The family was traveling east on Interstate 90 near Kimball, South Dakota, when a stock trailer tire broke loose and rolled in the opposite direction. The tire crossed the median and struck the family’s minivan, according to The Christian Post.
A GoFundMe established for the Clayton family said the tire crashed through the windshield and tore through the vehicle’s roof.
Stephen and David were killed.
Clayton’s wife, Katie, who was 28 weeks pregnant, suffered serious facial and jaw fractures and was airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital, according to The Christian Post. She underwent reconstructive surgery and now faces what the family’s fundraiser described as a long road to recovery.
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The GoFundMe notes that the couple’s 11-month-old son, John, and their unborn child were unharmed.
But behind the horrific circumstances is the story of a pastor who devoted his life to his family and ministry.
Clayton graduated from Bethlehem Seminary in Minneapolis and joined Becker Evangelical Free Church in 2024, Bring Me The News reported.
The GoFundMe fundraiser to help the Claytons has raised over $240,000 so far. The funds are expected to help cover funeral costs, medical bills and ongoing recovery expenses.
A funeral for Stephen and David is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at The North Church in Mounds View, Minnesota.
For Christians watching this family walk through the unthinkable, now is the time to surround them in prayer, asking God for His healing power, strength, provision and the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
