LDS Missionary Dies in South Africa

Contributed By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News associate director

  • 24 December 2016

A full-time missionary from New Zealand, serving in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission, died in a car accident December 23.  Source: Powered by Google.

A full-time missionary for the Church from New Zealand, serving in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission, died December 23.

Elder Nofo-I-Lelenga Latu, 19, from the Auckland New Zealand Tamaki Stake, Clover Park Ward, died of injuries sustained in a car accident. He was traveling with three other missionaries, who are being treated for minor injuries.

“We are deeply saddened to share news of the death of Elder Nofo-I-Lelenga Latu,” said Church spokesman Eric Hawkins. “We pray for the family and loved ones of Elder Latu. May they be comforted and sustained in their time of mourning and loss.”

The Church has not released additional details about the accident, including the names of the other missionaries involved.

This is the fourth death of a young full-time missionary in 2016, said Brother Hawkins.

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