Texas Pastor and Wife Killed in Automobile Accident, Children Survive

Odessa Crossroads Church Executive Pastor Kenny Comstock and his wife, Melissa, died in an automobile accident Thursday in New Mexico. The couple was reportedly on their way to Ruidoso with their three children also in the car.

Pastor Comstock died at the scene. Melissa Comstock died at the hospital. The children, ages 6, 4 and 1, survived. The oldest and youngest were not seriously injured, and the middle child underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

The accident occurred in the morning as the Comstock family traveled on U.S. 380 just west of Tatum. According to the New Mexico State Police, the driver of a Mercedes crossed the center line and collided with the Ford pickup driven by Pastor Comstock. The investigation is ongoing.

To inform friends and church members of the loss, a message from the church’s lead pastor, Jeremiah Ramer, was posted to the church’s Facebook page providing information on the parents’ deaths and a brief comment on the health of the children.

The message also said: “In moments like this we turn to the Word of God and 2 Cor. 1:3-4, ‘The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.’ Please pray for God’s comfort for Kenny’s and Melissa’s families as they mourn the loss of their son and daughter, brother and sister. Continue to pray for their children, who are beginning life without their mom and dad.”

People from throughout the United States expressed their condolences and ongoing prayers—whether members of the church, those who visit while in Texas or strangers who wanted to support the church during the time.

On Sunday morning before the first service following the loss, the following message was posted to the church’s Facebook page: “The last few days have been tough for our Crossroads family. This morning, Lead Pastor Jeremiah Ramer is going to bring us a message of hope and assurance. We know where our hope is found and today, we need that reminder more than ever.”

Ramer said Sunday when interviewed at the nondenominational church, “Today we’re doing what Kenny would want us to do, and that is turning people towards Jesus, the only place we believe people can find hope in the midst of a tragedy, in the midst of sorrow and sadness like this. We just believe the only place you can turn to is Jesus, so we’re turning to Him.” {eoa}