Christian TV Leader Pete Sumrall Dies Suddenly

The president of one of the largest Christian networks in the nation has passed away.

Peter Sumrall of LeSEA Broadcasting Media died of a heart attack Dec. 5.

Sumrall's unexpected death comes as a shock to millions of viewers and Christian organizations around the world.

The Word Network tweeted, "The Word Network remembers the life and legacy of Peter Sumrall, President of LeSEA Broadcasting."

"Prayers to the Sumrall & LeSEA Broadcasting family for the passing of Peter Sumrall. His fathfulness will continue to bless the world," tweeted Christian minister Jesse Duplantis.

"We all loved my father," Drew Sumrall said. "It goes without saying that Pete Sumrall cannot be replaced, just as his father before him, Dr. Lester Sumrall, could not be replaced. We will move forward with the vision of the company."

Sumrall became president of LeSEA in 1996 after his father Dr. Lester Sumrall passed away. The ministry network reaches more than 90 percent of the world's population through television, radio, satellite TV, and shortwave radio.

Sumrall is survived by four adult children and two brothers. He was 62.