A man died and a pastor suffered major injuries, after a tree and power lines fell on their car, while driving home from a Bible study in Toledo, Ohio.

Northwest Baptist Church Pastor Andrew Edwards III was driving congregant Richard Miller home and waiting at a stoplight April 17 when the tree fell. Miller, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Edwards was transported to a nearby hospital with multiple injuries.

Edwards suffered fractures to his clavicle, sternum, and a vertebra in his back, according to a social media post by Northwest Baptist Church in Toledo. He also suffered a minor brain bleed.

The church posted an update on Edwards’ condition April 20, announcing that he had been transferred from the ICU to the trauma unit following confirmation the brain injury “is of no immediate concern.”

“Pastor Edwards awoke suddenly and expressed his desire to return to his pastoral duties, stating that he has much work to do,” the post states. “He was reassured that all responsibilities are being managed in his absence. We give thanks to the Lord for His continued healing and faithfulness.”

On April 21, the church posted that Edwards had begun limited therapy and was able to swallow some water.

The accident occurred on Secor Road near West Laskey Road shortly before 9 p.m., according to Toledo police. Two other vehicles were damaged when the tree fell, but no other injuries were reported.

Toledo Fire and Rescue officials described the situation as a “freak accident” to TV station WTVG 13, which reported the tree fell from a private lot.

Edwards became the pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, which later was renamed Northwest Baptist Church, in July 1985 when he was 23 years old, according to the church website. The church has grown from 118 people his first Sunday to an average of 500 people.

Miller was studying for a bachelor’s degree in ministry and worked at a Kroger grocery store, according to his obituary.

“He loved to read and accumulated a massive library of his own,” the obituary states. “He loved his church home and family at Northwest Baptist Church and ministered in a multitude of ways. He was kind and caring to everyone he met as he lived his Christian faith.”

Miller is survived by his parents, grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Several people with ties to the church grieved Miller’s loss online.

“I am praying for Bro Richard’s family,” Diana Gensler wrote on Facebook. “He was a kind soul and loved our Lord and God and he loved all in our congregation.”

Juanita Brittian Downey commented on Facebook that she had spoken with Miller after a church service the night before the accident.

“He was humbled that pastor had asked him to preach at the Archbold service last night,” she wrote. “(He) told me, getting some practice in the pulpit for his month-long messenger trip starting in May. He was glowing with excitement. Now he’s truly glowing in heaven, worshipping the Lord he loved so dearly.”

A funeral service for Miller is set for 10 a.m. April 26 at Northwest Baptist Church. The church is collecting funds through Venmo to assist with Edwards’ recovery.

Ann Marie Shambaugh has reported as a print journalist in multiple states, including currently in Carmel, Indiana.