LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Rev. Jerry Falwell, the TV evangelist who founded the Moral Majority and built the religious right into a mighty political force, died Tuesday shortly after being found unconscious in his office at Liberty University, a school executive said. He was 73.

Falwell canceled plans to preach on Peaks Island in Portland last summer because of health concerns. His expected appearance as the guest preacher in celebration of Peaks Island Baptist Church's two-year anniversary last July 18 had raised concerns among some island residents who objected to Falwell's past comments about gay men, lesbians and other groups.