Family of the-late Texas Pastor Phillip Loveday, who was found dead by police from an apparent suicide Tuesday, are now grappling with grief after the tragic end to their six-day search for him.

Loveday, who went missing on Aug. 2 after leaving home for his secular job at Kinder Morgan, was senior pastor at Faith Christian Center in Freer. A Facebook page started by the church to help find him called Finding Phillip Loveday had been posting hope-inducing updates to some 11,000 followers.

Even on Sunday, the church posted a photo on its official Facebook page showing members praying that their pastor would be found.

Two days later, local police announced that the 47-year-old pastor had been found dead.

“As you have all seen and heard, law enforcement has found Phillip. His family and friends are heartbroken by this news,” the church said in a post on Wednesday. “Please be courteous to the family as they mourn. We appreciate all the prayers, help, and suggestions. The outpouring of love and support of the community has been incredible. Please continue to pray for his family and friends.”

A GoFundMe campaign created to help support Loveday’s family through the ordeal has raised more than $8,850 of a $15,000 target on Thursday morning.

While the Corpus Christi Police Department has yet to officially confirm Loveday’s death as a suicide, authorities told 3 News that the pastor died of a gunshot wound and they have ruled out foul play.

Loveday, who was a father of five and a grandfather of one, was found dead inside a Kinder Morgan truck by officers from the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 2:55 p.m. Tuesday off county road 2444 in Nueces County.

“A body was located inside of the vehicle. At this time we are waiting on the findings from the medical examiner’s office to complete their investigation. This is still an active investigation,” Corpus Christi Police Department said in a statement.

-Christianpost.com