NEW YORK -- The investigation continues on Monday into the death of the pastor of a Central Florida megachurch who was found dead in a New York City hotel room.
New York City police said 42-year-old Zachery Tims of Orlando was found dead on the floor of a room at the W Hotel in Times Square late Friday afternoon.
According to the police department, Tims was found unresponsive on the floor in room number 3711 at approximately 6 p.m. NYPD said Monday morning that no foul play or criminal activity is suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
According to his church's website and Facebook page, Tims was the senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, one of the largest congregations in Central Florida. He also hosted and appeared on Christian television and radio programs.
The church congregation is 8,000 strong. Tims started the church in 1996. The congregation grew quickly and in 2005, the church built a $3.4 million, 34,000-square-foot youth center. The church has two locations in Orange County.
Church members and others posted a flurry of messages mourning the loss of the popular pastor on Facebook and Twitter late Sunday.
“He was very energetic, full of life,” said church member, Keesha Rivers. “Always kept it real.”
“All of a sudden you get this news that he's dead in New York, said Winfred Barrington, church member. “In shock. That's why I don't have any emotions. It doesn't seem real."
Stunned members of the church will gather for services on Monday as the investigation into how their pastor died continues.
“It's very devastating,” said church member, Christopher Oatman. “He was one of my first pastors when I moved to Orlando. It bothers me tremendously.”
In 2009, Tims made headlines after revealing an extramarital affair. Tims left the pulpit briefly before returning to his role as senior pastor.
In a message to the congregation, church leaders warned against jumping to any conclusions about Tims' sudden death.
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