The Seventh-day Adventist community in Australia is in shock after the unexpected death of pastor William Strickland. Strickland’s car was swept off a causeway by floodwaters in northern New South Wales (NSW) on Saturday night, January 18.

The area had received more than four inches (10 centimeters) of rainfall in a very short time.

Strickland’s vehicle was discovered more than 1,300 feet (400 meters) downstream, but he was not found until Monday around midday, according to ABC News.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Strickland family confirmed that Strickland’s body had been found. “We would like to thank those who have been eagerly praying for this moment, and for those who have been here actively searching for Dad, especially our local church community, the NSW police, and SES [State Emergency Service]. It has not been in vain.”

The family paid tribute to their “charismatic and loved” father, “who gave his life in service and ministry of the gospel.”

“He touched many people’s lives through his work as a pastor with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in both Australia and New Zealand, and his community work through ADRA,” they said.

Tweed-Byron police district inspector Matt Woods said more than 170 people turned up to help with the search.

“It just shows you the standing and the love that this gentleman has had in his community,” Woods said.

Strickland worked in youth and children’s ministries for many years and served most recently in the South Queensland Conference. Adventists around the South Pacific and the world had been praying Strickland would be found and sharing messages of encouragement on Facebook.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.