In a heart-wrenching tragedy that has left the community of Lexington, Kentucky, in shock, Pastor Jerry Gumm of Richmond Road Baptist Church is facing unimaginable grief and recovery. Just days after the violent shooting that claimed the lives of his wife, Beverly Gumm, and their daughter, Christina Combs, Pastor Gumm is still recuperating from his own injuries in a local hospital.
On July 13, 2025, a gunman identified as Guy House unleashed chaos within the church, resulting in a devastating loss that has reverberated through the community. Beverly, 72, and Christina, 32, were fatally shot during the attack, while Pastor Gumm suffered injuries that have left him unable to speak. Reports indicate that his family has chosen to keep the tragic news of his loved ones’ deaths from him for the time being, allowing him to focus on his recovery.
In a touching Facebook post, daughter Star Jones shared updates about her father’s condition, stating, “My Dad is awake but groggy. He is doing well. They took the ventilator out but he can’t talk due to his injuries. He did lose hearing in his right ear and has a long road ahead of him.” The family is grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers during this difficult time, emphasizing their desire to shield Pastor Gumm from the painful reality until he is stronger.
The shooting incident unfolded when House entered the church during lunchtime, asking for the whereabouts of his intended target, Angel, who was not present. Beverly’s brave response to the intruder unfortunately led to her being shot, and the tragedy escalated as House went on to shoot Christina and Pastor Gumm before fleeing the scene. This act of violence has left many in the congregation grappling with shock and sorrow.
During the joint funeral for Beverly and Christina, which took place shortly after their passing, many mourners gathered to pay their respects. The family has expressed their commitment to supporting one another through this painful ordeal. Rachael Barnes, another daughter, shared her feelings of disbelief, saying, “It feels like a bad dream, unfortunately, it’s not.” The family is leaning on each other and their faith in God as they navigate this painful chapter.
In the wake of the shooting, Richmond Road Baptist Church has reopened its doors, offering a space for healing and community support. The first service back was filled with emotional tributes and prayers, as congregants came together to honor the lives lost and support the Gumm family. Many attendees expressed their heartfelt condolences and shared memories of Beverly and Christina, highlighting their contributions to the church and community.
This tragedy has sparked conversations about safety in places of worship and the need for community solidarity in times of crisis. Many are calling for increased awareness and prevention measures to protect congregations from such violent acts in the future.
As Pastor Gumm continues his recovery, the community is rallying around him and his family, demonstrating the power of faith and support in the face of overwhelming grief. The Gumm family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.
For updates on this developing story and more uplifting news, you can follow trusted sources like Christianity Today and The Christian Post. Let us keep the Gumm family in our prayers as they navigate this difficult journey ahead.