On Sunday, lead pastor Kennon Vaughan preached to the congregation of Harvest Church in Memphis, Tennessee; by Tuesday lunchtime he became the only survivor of a place crash that took the lives of four other members of his church.
Pastor Kennon was the only person to escape the wreckage of the Piper Malibu plane after it crashed in foggy weather.
Releasing a statement on social media, the church said: ““It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Bill Garner, Steve Tucker, Tyler Patterson and Tyler Springer.
“All were beloved members of Harvest Church and their loss currently leaves us without the proper words to articulate our grief.”
Bill Garner was the church's executive vice-president, Steve Tucker was a church elder.
Pastor Kennon was taken to hospital, where he remains. An update from the church today reads: “We rejoice this morning in God's goodness. Kennon is breathing on his own and has been able to communicate some through writing.
“The latest reports from the doctors are all positive. Kennon is currently at one of the top trauma hospitals in the country and we are so thankful for God's provision.
“Please continue to pray for a full recovery.”
The accident happened just a mile from the Yoakum Municipal Airport.