A West Virginia church community is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a beloved pastor who died on New Year’s Day following a tragic at-home accident.

Pastor Sam Pierson, 44, lead pastor of South Charleston Grace Church, died Thursday evening after becoming trapped beneath his pickup truck while working at his home in Putnam County. Emergency responders were dispatched to Pierson’s residence in the town of Hurricane around 5 p.m., but despite their efforts, his life could not be saved, according to local officials.

The West Virginia South District Church of the Nazarene confirmed Pierson’s death in a statement shared on social media. District Superintendent Bret Layton described the loss as deeply devastating to all who knew him.

“Pastor Sam faithfully served as the Lead Pastor of South Charleston Grace Church, and his sudden passing has deeply shaken all who knew and loved him,” Layton wrote, urging prayers for Pierson’s family and congregation. He asked believers to lift up Pierson’s wife, Erin, and their two teenage daughters, Layla and Alex, asking God for “peace, comfort, and sustaining presence” in the days ahead.

South Charleston Mayor Scott Edwards told local media that Pierson was trapped when the vehicle fell on him, turning an ordinary afternoon into an unimaginable tragedy.

As word of Pierson’s death spread, tributes poured in from church members, friends, and fellow pastors across the region. Many remembered him as a warm, joyful presence — a pastor who smiled often, greeted everyone by name, and invested deeply in relationships. Several shared how closely their families had grown alongside Pierson and his own.

Pastor Abraham Williams of Fishcreek Nazarene Church in Ohio remembered Pierson as both a trusted colleague and dear friend. “He was an incredible husband, father, pastor, and friend,” Williams wrote. “Years ago, I was deeply blessed to serve alongside him as he was my associate before he became the lead pastor at Grace Church of the Nazarene. His faith, character, and heart for people left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”

Pierson earned his degree from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado and began serving at South Charleston Grace Church in 2018. In addition to his pastoral calling, he also ran ProFix LLC, a contracting company that provided commercial and residential property solutions — a reflection of his hands-on spirit and dedication to serving others both within and outside the church.

His final social media post, shared just days before his death, now reads as a poignant reflection of his faith and heart for ministry. Writing about upcoming Christmas Eve services, Pierson expressed joy over gathering with families to worship Christ together.

“Christmas Eve is one of my favorite moments of the year,” he wrote. “It’s quiet, meaningful, and deeply personal. A time to slow down, worship together, share communion, sing carols, and remember the incredible gift of Christ, who has done so much for us, is still at work in us, and promises to walk with us as we place our hope and faith in Him.”

As arrangements are forthcoming, church leaders say the legacy Pierson leaves behind is one of faithful service, deep love for family, and unwavering hope in Christ — a testimony that continues to speak even in the midst of profound loss.