Beloved Tennessee pastor dies during Ironman triathlon days before 25th wedding anniversary

A Tennessee church is mourning the loss of one of its pastors after he went into cardiac arrest during a triathlon.

While competing in the Ironman 70.3 Memphis race on Saturday, Oct. 7, through downtown Memphis, pastor Tim Shelton went into cardiac arrest, according to an Oct. 9 Facebook post from Bellevue Baptist Church, where he preached. He died a day later.

“Known for his kindness toward everyone, Tim touched many lives as he consistently lived out the faith he professed,” the church said. “While we grieve Tim’s absence, we grieve with much hope, and we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord Jesus.”

Shelton was pastor at the Tennessee church since September 2002, working with adults and families, according to his LinkedIn.

The Memphis Ironman organization confirmed Shelton’s death in an Oct. 8 Facebook post, saying he “signaled for support” while competing in the swimming section of the triathlon. The race’s safety team then gave Shelton “immediate medical assistance,” race officials said.

“The athlete was transported to a nearby hospital where they continued to receive critical medical treatment and care. Sadly, the athlete passed away (Sunday),” the post says.

People who knew him through church or other aspects of his life took to Facebook to post tributes and memories with Shelton.

One woman noted she went to his church said he welcomed her and her husband with “open arms” in her Facebook tribute. He made the couple feel “part of his family” and was someone they “always could count on,” she said.

“I’ve been struggling for hours to find the words to describe what this amazing man means to me. Though my husband and I have only known him for five years, he has made more of an impact on our lives then I can even describe,” she wrote.

Another pastor from the church, according to his Facebook, said Shelton was “a friend, pastor, confidant and encourager” during all the time he worked with him.

“I thank God for Tim Shelton. I pray the Lord would help me to be more like Tim Shelton,” Collin Whitney wrote.

His service will be at Bellevue Baptist Church on Saturday, Oct. 14 and is open to the public, followed by a “private graveside service,” the church said on its website.

He leaves behind a wife and five sons, according to the church’s post. He and his wife would have celebrated their 25th anniversary on Oct. 17, according to his obituary.