Zachery Tims Death: Public May Never Know Nature of Alleged Powder Found in Pastor's Pocket

By Luiza Oleszczuk, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 06, 2011

Contrary to conflicting media reports, the only information that can be disclosed to the public by the New York Medical Examiner's office regarding the death of Zachery Tims is the nature of the Florida pastor's death. The nature of the white substance allegedly found on the minister by investigators will not be disclosed, according to the New York Chief Medical Examiner's office.

Only the cause and manner of death can be made available to the public according to New York law, the New York Chief Medical Examiner's spokeswoman, Ellen Borakove, told The Christian Post Thursday. The actual report can only be seen by next of kin.

According to initial reports, however, such a move by Tims' family appears unlikely.

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Tims was found dead Aug. 12 in his room at the W. Hotel in New York City. The pastor was reportedly in town for a speaking engagement.

The Orlando Sentinel reported this week that the Tims family might be looking to take legal action in order to prevent the public from knowing the toxicology results. But the actual report, Borakove confirmed, will only be available to the family.

"All I have said is that the family has some concerns and that we're looking into them," she told CP. "I'm not commenting on what those concerns are."

The only information that can be made available to the public in the state of New York is the cause and manner of death, she confirmed.

Borakove did not comment on why the cause of death is not yet known, except for quoting the family's "concerns" again. She also said she does not know what would be the chances for members of Tims' family to potentially legally block release of any information.

After the sudden death of the New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) pastor, speculations were made that he might have died of a drug overdose. If that information is confirmed in the laboratory, the office of the medical examiner will have to announce it.

However, the nature of the powder found on Tims will probably not be disclosed.

Sources close to the investigation told the New York Daily News earlier that a glassine envelope of white powder was found in Tims' right pants pocket. It was also reported that investigators were considering the possibility of a drug overdose as the cause of death.

During Tims' funeral on Aug. 21, Bishop T.D. Jakes, who delivered the minister's eulogy, reportedly insinuated that the late pastor struggled with personal problems and was not a perfect man.

Tims described his past drug problem in a memoir, It's Never Too Late.