According to a Facebook post from one of the estranged sons of Fred Phelps Sr., the anti-gay preacher who was the driving force behind Westboro Baptist Church is close to death. Nathan Phelps claims his father is on the "edge of death" at a hospice facility in Topeka, Kan.

Another estranged son confirmed this news to a Topeka newspaper. According to a USA Today report, a spokesperson for Westboro Baptist Church said that while the pastor is in a hospice facility, reports that he is close to death are "not well-informed."

Westboro Baptist Church became infamous for its protests at funerals, which has triggered numerous court proceedings across the country. Nate Phelps claims his father was ex-communicated from Westboro last year.

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC