Mica Miller Obituary, MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Mica Acacia Miller, a 30-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died on April 27, 2024, at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina. Her death drew widespread attention because of the circumstances surrounding her final months, her separation from her husband, pastor John-Paul Miller, and the investigation that followed.
Mica was remembered by friends and members of her church community as a caring and compassionate woman who was deeply involved in ministry. She participated in the women’s ministry and worship team at Solid Rock Church and maintained a strong interest in missionary work. Friends also recalled her love for Africa and her dream of eventually opening a school there.
In the months before her death, Mica had been separated from her husband and was pursuing a divorce. She also reported concerns about being followed and harassed, including allegations involving a tracking device found on her vehicle and other incidents that caused her to fear for her safety.
Mica Miller’s cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Robeson County Medical Examiner Dr. Richard Johnson said the nature of the wound was consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and investigators subsequently classified her death as a suicide.
On April 27, 2024, Mica traveled to Lumber River State Park after purchasing a firearm. Authorities received a 911 call from her in which she indicated that she intended to take her own life and wanted her family to know where to find her. Deputies later located her vehicle and ultimately found her body in the park.
Her death continued to receive public attention because of questions raised by people who knew her and allegations concerning her relationship with her estranged husband. Authorities determined that John-Paul Miller was not in North Carolina when Mica died. He has since faced separate federal charges related to alleged cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators and has pleaded not guilty. Those federal charges are separate from the official determination of Mica’s cause and manner of death.
Mica’s life and death have continued to receive attention, including through the 2026 Netflix documentary Death of a Pastor’s Wife, which examines her life, marriage, final months and the circumstances surrounding her death.
Mica Miller will be remembered by her family, friends and church community for her compassion, faith, love for others and desire to make a difference. Her death remains a painful loss for those who knew her, while her story continues to draw attention to issues surrounding harassment, coercive relationships, mental health and the importance of taking reports of abuse seriously. May her memory be honored by those whose lives she touched.
