Pastor who announced wife's suicide to shocked congregation 'tried to raise her from the dead'

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

A South Carolina pastor who shocked his congregation by announcing his wife had taken her own life says he tried to 'raise her from the dead'.

John-Paul Miller shared the news of his wife Mica Miller's death during a service at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach on 28 April, where he recalled getting a call with the news the night before.

John-Paul Miller spoke fondly about his wife at the church. (WPDE)

Miller told the crowd Mica's death was 'self-induced' on 27 April, with Robeson County Medical Examiner Richard Johnson ruling Mica died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Prior to her death, Mica was in the process of formally separating from Miller. However, the pastor still paid tribute to his late wife at Solid Rock in a service in early May, where he told his congregation that while 'everyone knew' how beautiful Mica was 'on the outside', only 'a spouse knows how beautiful that person is on the inside'.

During the eulogy, which was shared on YouTube, Miller claimed he 'got to lay next to [Mica's] body and spend time with her body about four times this week', in the period after her death.

He continued: "Each time, it still didn't hit me. I thought she was gonna wake up. I even tried to raise her from the dead one time this week."

Authorities described the evidence as 'compelling'. (Mica Miller/Facebook)

Miller didn't detail exactly how he'd 'tried to raise her from the dead', but he went on to recall seeing a woman at the mall later that same day who bore resemblance to Mica.

He described calling out her name, saying: "However, when the woman turned around, it transpired that she was one of Mica's sisters. I thought I raised her from the dead... I can't wait to see her again one day."

Mica called the authorities before her death. (Robeson County Sheriff)

Mica's friends and family members called for the 30-year-old's death to be investigated 'deeply' after what they described as 'false stories' began to circulate.

Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins has insisted the evidence in her death is 'quite clear and compelling', though he acknowledged it's 'not what many people wanted to hear'.

"We are as saddened as anyone that this occurred," Wilkins said.

"There are many factors that we have reviewed that occurred over an extended period of time that are probably related to the reason for this investigation, but in the end, sadly, a tragic decision was made by Mica that ended her life."

Prior to her death, Mica called authorities to inform them of her location so her family would 'know where to find' her.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741