Former TC Pastor Facing Criminal Investigation Found Dead

By Beth Milligan | Dec. 11, 2019

John Clark, former pastor of Traverse City's West Side Community Church in Leelanau County, was found dead near his home Monday.

Clark was located in the woods near his Benzie County home. He was found dead of a single gunshot to the head. Authorities have not yet determined whether the gunshot wound was self-inflicted or whether it was intentional or accidental, wth a medical examiner's report still pending.

Clark was facing a criminal investigation after resigning this summer when church officials discovered irregularities in a financial audit. The report was turned over to the Leelanau County Sheriff's Office, with an ongoing investigation showing Clark allegedly misused at least $500,000 in church funds over several years.

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