Megachurch Pastor Zachery Tims Dies

UPDATED: Megachurch pastor Zachery Tims died on August 12 in a New York City hotel room the New York Police Department (NYPD) confirms. He was 42. An
NYPD representative says “criminality is not suspected.” Tims was found
alone in the W Hotel by hotel security.

Charisma has confirmed with the New York Medical Examiners Office that a man by that same name was brought in on Friday night at 6 p.m. As of Sunday night, Ellen Borakove, director of public affairs at the New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office could not confirm that it was the same Zachery Tims. She said the family was en route to identify the body.

“A man by that name was brought in Friday, August 12 from The W Hotel in Times Square,” Borakove said. “I cannot confirm that it is the same Zachery Tims from Orlando until the body has been identified.”

The cause of death is unknown. Borakove said an autopsy has been ordered.

Tims pastored New Destiny Christian Center in the Orlando area since 1996. The church has grown to more than 7,500 members. He was survived by his four children.

Charisma will continue to update this story.