An autopsy was expected to be performed Tuesday on Matthew Warren, the youngest son of pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren of Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest.
The 27-year-old committed suicide Friday at his Mission Viejo home, according to the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner's Department.
Matthew Warren battled mental illness and depression for many years, according to his family.
Rick Warren released a statement saying, "No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. After a fun evening together with Kay and me, in a momentary wave of despair at his home, he took his life."
Warren described his son as "an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man."
Rick Warren found Saddleback Church in 1980. His best-selling "The Purpose Driven Life" has sold more than 32 million copies in 50 languages since its release 10 years.
