Gospel Pastor Still in Critical Condition
DANVILLE, Pa. (AP) Grammy-nominated gospel singer and Brooklyn pastor Timothy Wright remains in critical condition nearly a week after a head-on crash in Pennsylvania that killed his wife and grandson.
The 61-year-old Wright is in intensive care at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. More.
By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
Tammy Taylor of One Entity Marketing and Promotions broke news to the gospel music industry early in the morning on Saturday, July 5 that gospel veteran Rev. Timothy Wright, 61, had been in a car crash that killed his wife, Betty Wright, 58.
Wright, who in addition to his recording career was pastor of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God in Christ in
Their car was struck on Interstate 80 in
Mrs. Wright was killed instantly, their 14-year-old grandson, D.J. Wright, also died Saturday night of injuries sustained in the crash and Rev. Wright sustained severe injuries in the crash and remains in critical condition.
A toxicology report to determine if Pick, 44, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs was expected to be completed early this week, a state police official said.
A coroner told Wright family members that two beer cans were found in the car driven by Pick, who also died in the crash. 
Rev. Wright remained in critical but stable condition after doctors performed surgery on his left leg, right ankle, jaw, ribs, bruised lung and two neck bones, his son David Wright, 29, said.
"We believe God is going to completely heal him," he expressed, according to the 'New York Daily News.' "All we got to do now is just trust in God. We may not understand it now, but we know all things work together for the greater good."
Bishop James Gaylord, a C.O.G.I.C. minister who will oversee the church's leadership in Rev. Wright's absence, described the late co-pastor Wright as "a caring person, one of integrity."
Her brother, Eric Townsend, spoke lovingly of his sister during the service as well.
"She was prepared," he said. God "only takes those who are prepared for a prepared place. She lived a life."
The Rev. Al Sharpton, a family friend who has known the Wrights for decades, said the news was shocking to him.
"We had no idea we'd be facing this kind of tragedy," Sharpton said. "It's a real blow."
Pastor Donnie McClurkin, who attended the overflow service, shared words of encouragement.
"Timothy Wright is like a father to the gospel music industry," said the gospel superstar. "We are family."
A Grammy nominee, Rev. Wright released 19 albums since making his debut in 1988.
Best known for hits like 'Come Thou Almighty King,' 'Yes, I'm A Believer' and 'Trouble Don't Last Always,' Wright's latest CD was titled 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus' and was released on Jordan Entertainment Group/Koch.
At press time, the Wright family was preparing for a press conference outside of their home in
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VIDEO: Watch Rev. Timothy Wright perform his most recent hit, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus (Katrina Song)' in this YouTube clip.
1. To the Wright family. You are in my prayers. be encouraged.
Evang. Gladys Sherman at 8:08PM on Jul 7th 2008