A young Tongan missionary from Utah died Thursday after a car veered onto a sidewalk and struck him while he was walking with two companions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed.
Elder Aleki Langi, 18, of Magna, Utah, was killed in the accident.
A second missionary sustained minor injuries, while a third was unharmed, said church spokesman Sam Penrod in a statement.
The driver of the vehicle apparently lost control before hitting the missionaries, Penrod said.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
“We extend our deepest condolences and love to Elder Langi’s family, friends, and fellow missionaries during this difficult time,” Penrod said. “We pray that they will each feel the Saviour’s comfort and peace as they mourn his passing and honour his dedicated missionary service.”
Elder Langi, a member of the Magna 2nd Ward in the Salt Lake Utah West Stake, had served in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission since March.
He was temporarily reassigned there while awaiting a visa for his original assignment to the Jamaica Kingston Mission.
Friends and community members in Magna remembered Langi as a devoted young man with a strong faith and a desire to serve others. His family, of Tongan descent, has been active in their local congregation, where Langi was well-loved.
The Church supports Langi’s family and his missionary companions as they grieve the sudden loss. Funeral arrangements are pending.
