World famous evangelist/pastor, founder of Teen Challenge, killed

Evangelist and pastor of Times Square Church and founder of Teen Challenge, a Christian-based recovery program, the Rev. David Wilkerson, was killed on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 near East Tyler, Texas when his vehicle slammed head-on into an 18 wheeler. Wilkerson, 79, reached worldwide recognition when he ministered to New York City gang leaders and members. His efforts were recounted in the bestselling book, "The Cross and the Switchblade." The book was made into a motion picture starring Pat Boone and Erik Estrada in his first screen role. "The Cross and the Switchblade" was also adapted into a comic book published by Spire Books and drawn by the late Christian artist, Al Hartley.

Wilkerson's wife, Gwen, was seriously injured in the crash. Times Square Church pastor Carter Conlon issued a statement to the Christian media: "He ran his race well. He lived life to the very fullest … with a radical love for Jesus," he said.