Texas pastor, 44, Dies in Sleep of Natural Causes

Texas pastor, 44, Dies in Sleep of Natural Causes

Texas pastor, 44, Dies in Sleep of Natural Causes: Pastor Bryan Dunagan passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Thursday night from natural causes, leaving his family weeping at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

The church notified the membership via email before going public with the news on Facebook. Dunagan, 44, had been the senior pastor of the 5,500-member parish since he was 34. He died in his sleep in the early morning hours.

“This news has left us shaken to our core, and we are struggling to come to terms with this profound loss,” the statement said, which was signed by Executive Pastor Jay Lee.

“When we don’t know what to do, we are taught to turn to God and pray,” Lee continued, adding, “We’re lifting up the Dunagan family, our congregation, our family of churches, our staff, and our entire community inside and outside of our church walls.”

The church conducted a vigil in its sanctuary on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. in memory of Dunagan, who leaves behind his wife, Ali, and their three children. A guided prayer service also took place at the church on Friday morning, Lee added.

“Words cannot capture the depth of our emotions this morning. We extend our gratitude to each of you for your steadfast care, your unwavering leadership in our church’s mission, and your love for Bryan,” Lee wrote.

“Dunagan was a gifted communicator and a humble servant leader, leaving behind a legacy of sharing the love of Christ throughout his life and ministry,” the church also said. “His passion was transforming lives and pointing people of all generations to find and follow Jesus.