Rutherford County man who died from COVID-19 was Word of Faith member, brother says

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — News 13 has confirmed Loren Martinez, the Rutherford County man who died April 8, 2020 at Rutherford Regional Hospital from complications with COVID-19, was a member of the Christian group Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF).

News 13 spoke with his brother, Lance Martinez, who lives in Wyoming. He said his brother lived in Rutherford County for about a year, and gave the following statement:

Loren was a member of the church (Word of Faith Fellowship). And, he thrived in the church community. My family and I are not members of Word of Faith. But, we aren’t suspect of any intentional negligence, or wrongdoing, by the church related to COVID-19. Our family, as well as the congregation, did what we could, and the congregation surrounded my brother with love.

Martinez said his brother was also a WOFF member in the early 90's.

On its website, Word of Faith refutes allegations by community members that church members aren’t following the Governor’s stay home and distancing orders.

"Any suggestion to the contrary is reckless, defaming and a dangerous incitement to violence," the website states.

News 13 has reached out to WOFF for comment. At the time of this publication, WOFF has not made any statements about Loren Martinez.

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Rutherford update