Once-Missing Sand Springs Pastor Dies After Motorcycle Wreck

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Sand Springs minister who was reported missing in 2010 died Wednesday night following a motorcycle crash.

David Emigh, 58, died in surgery of a massive heart attack, according to The Word of Life Church website.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers say Emigh was northbound on U.S. Highway 11 about a half mile north of 156th Street North in Tulsa County when his motorcycle left the roadway and struck a tree.

He was not wearing a helmet, according to the accident report.

Emigh made news at the end of last year when he went missing for several days. He left the church on a Wednesday, December 15, 2010, and was next seen at a Cleveland Walmart on Saturday, December 18.

12/17/2010 Related Story: Missing Sand Springs Minister Found At Cleveland Walmart

His disappearance was blamed on a medical issue.

An announcement on The Word Of Life Church web site:

Wednesday evening, Pastor David had an accident while riding his motorcycle. He was transported to St. John Hospital where he was evaluated and found to have multiple broken bones including a badly injured leg. After receiving a good prognosis for recovery, the medical staff began to prepare him for surgery to repair his leg.

Before the procedure could begin, he experienced a massive heart attack. The medical team did everything possible but was unsuccessful.

The family is making arrangements, and more information will be provided when available.