Evan Roberts Locke, the 20-year-old son of Tennessee pastor Greg Locke, died Friday from a drug overdose, according to statements released by his family and close friends. Pastor Greg Locke shared the heartbreaking news on social media, saying his son’s heart stopped after the overdose and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. He described the loss as “earth-shattering” and acknowledged that Evan had struggled publicly with addiction for several years.
Evan had openly documented his battle with substance abuse and his journey toward sobriety on social media. In a video posted in August 2025, he celebrated four months of sobriety and spoke about rebuilding his life through faith in God. He described himself as “broken” and “lost” but said he believed God had helped transform his life. Evan also shared plans to move to Florida, learn welding, and begin a new chapter focused on recovery and stability.
Friends and family members remembered Evan as kindhearted, compassionate, and determined to overcome addiction. Evangelist Jon Groves, a longtime family friend, said he had recently tried to help Evan enter a rehabilitation program and regularly stayed in contact with him through his struggles. Groves described Evan as someone who deeply desired healing and wanted to make his family proud.
The tragedy has also renewed attention on the opioid epidemic in Tennessee, where thousands continue to die from drug overdoses each year, many involving fentanyl. Former critics of Greg Locke and his ministry expressed sympathy for the family despite past disagreements, with several describing Evan as a young man who genuinely wanted to recover and build a better future.
Evan Locke is survived by his parents, siblings, and extended family, who continue to mourn his loss while remembering his life, faith, and ongoing battle with addiction.
