Sean Schutte, New Zealand-based pastor and South African, died on Thursday morning after his car collided with a train.
Schutte was a co-pastor at Matamata Baptist Church at the time of his death.
The church confirmed his death to News24, but said it could not comment any further.
Church Online New Zealand announced the news on Thursday morning.
“We will be praying for Matamata Baptist Church, who lost their co-pastor, Sean Schutte, today in a tragic accident. We will pray too for the family,” it said in a Facebook post.
According to New Zealand news website, Stuff, the KiwiRail train collided with his vehicle.
A congregant said the church was focused on supporting his wife and daughter in New Zealand and was assisting to inform his family in Johannesburg.
According to his Facebook profile, Schutte went to Pretoria Boys High School.
KiwiRail executive general manager of operations, Paul Ashton, told Stuff the driver of the train was receiving counselling.
News24 reached out to KiwiRail for comment. Their response will be added once received.
