Jimmy Carter's Grandson Dies at 28; Former President Broke News During Sunday School Service

• comments
• 
• 

Sad news comes from former President Jimmy Carter, who announced at his Plains, Georgia church that his grandson, Jeremy Carter, had passed away, CNN reports. Maranatha Baptist Church Rev. Jeremy Shoulta spoke with CNN to share that Jeremy Carter took a nap on Saturday because he was not feeling well, but then his heart had stopped. His family performed CPR and then rushed him to a hospital.

Shoulta shared, "They were trying to keep his heart going and eventually, later in the night or the wee hours of (Sunday) morning, his heart stopped."

Former President Carter continued to teach Sunday school that day despite the terrible loss. Shoulta siad, "He was shaken. He was obviously sad although he was able to teach and he was able to present the lesson as well as he always has. But it was apparent to everyone there that this was weighing on him very heavily."

Huffington Post reports that Carter addressed the congregation on Sunday, telling them to "be filled with a sense of joy and thanksgiving."

"I should be joyful and thankful to God for giving me both life and freedom," the 91-year-old author said.

It was not long ago that Carter announced his battle with cancer. In August, People reported that the former President underwent a surgery to remove a small mass in his liver, during which doctors found that cancer had spread in other parts of his body, specifically his brain.

The Washington Post reported that doctors discovered "four spots of melanoma" on his brain, after which he underwent the latest immune treatment that is unlike traditional chemotherapy that brings side effects such as nausea. As per NBC News, the Carter Center released a statement in his behalf, saying, "I will continue to receive regular 3-week immunotherapy treatments of pembrolizumab."

"I’ve been as blessed as any human being in the world," Carter said. He is the second-oldest living president, serving the White House from 1977 to 1981.

"I plan to teach Sunday school this Sunday—and every Sunday as long as I’m physically and mentally able," he said at the time. Carter often teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he later announced the good news that he was cancer-free.

"When I went (for an MRI) this week they didn't find any cancer at all," Carter admitted. "So I have good news. So a lot of people prayed for me, and I appreciate that."