The Duggars have issued a new statement in light of further updates on the sudden and tragic death of their family matriarch. As previously reported, Mary Duggar died this past Sunday at the age of 78. The loss was unexpected and we later learned why: Mary’s passing was the result of an accidental drowning , as authorities responded to a 911 call placed from her home in Arkansas — yet were unable to revive the mother of Jim Bob We now know a couple other things about this tragedy as well, courtesy of an Instagram post by Jana Duggar. “On her last morning spent here on earth I drove Grandma to church where she worshiped her Savior,” Jana wrote on Thursday, adding: “Later that afternoon, she went to meet Him face to face! I’d say that’s probably how she would’ve chosen to finish out the day if she got to pick.” According to Washington County Coroner Roger W. Morris, meanwhile, Mary simply “slipped” and fell into the water. “Her daughter Deanna discovered her body and alerted authorities, who pronounced her dead at the scene,” Morris said in a statement. This horrible news was first shared by the Duggars on their official Facebook page Sunday afternoon, where the “feisty” and “incredible” County On star was remembered by her famous loved ones in a tribute message. “Mary found great joy in sharing her love for Jesus and her own story of how at age 15 she asked Christ to forgive her for her sins,” this post read in part. “It was at that time she committed the rest of her life to live for Him, a commitment she kept with devotion.” And now the family has said a bit more — about both Mary and the support they’ve received from their fans around the world. “Grandma Duggar has had two strokes over the last year and some other medical issues and it’s our understanding that Grandma Duggar had slipped and fallen and passed by the time her daughter found her in the pool,” a rep for the family told Us Weekly. This rep continued: “We’ve been really touched by the outpouring of support and more than a thousand people referred to her as America’s grandma which is a title we hadn’t even given her.” Over the past few days, nearly every well-known Duggar family member has shared his or her thoughts on Mary’s passing. Here is a sample, for example, of what Jana posted: Grandma made a deep impact on each of our lives—first and foremost through her relationship with Jesus Christ, and secondly through her example of sharing the good news of salvation through Jesus with others! She would always be talking about the day she would see her Savior’s face and how much she looked forward to it! Yesterday was that day! She knew where she’d spend eternity and wanted everyone else to know that for themselves too. And Jill: My heart breaks. My grandma died suddenly today! She was an amazing woman of God and such a great example to so many! And Anna: She was a true soul-winner and loved everyone she met, telling them to turn from sin and trust Jesus for salvation! Miss her soooo much and we cherish each moment we were blessed to spend together! And Amy: My best friend passed away yesterday afternoon. Jesus sure took home a treasure. I’m at a loss for words, shaking as I even type this out. I loved her so much. She helped raise me, we did everything together. I know you are in perfect peace and we will see you again. We continue to send our condolences to the entire Duggar Family. View Slideshow: The Duggars: Who’s Courting? Pregnant? Next In Line? [UPDATED]
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Duggar Family Responds to Mary’s Accidental Drowning, Expresses Gratitude
