DENTON, Texas, May 19, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — Two missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died while serving in the field Tuesday.
“We are saddened to share news of the passing of two young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who were killed in a head-on traffic collision on Tuesday, in Denton, Texas,” said a statement from LDS Church spokesman Sam Penrod.
The missionaries were both assigned to the Texas Fort Worth Mission and have been identified as Elder Luke Masakazu Carter, 18, of Springville, Utah who began his missionary service in November 2020 and Elder Eli Jon Fowler, 20, of Pueblo West, Colorado. Fowler began his missionary service in January 2020.
The cause of the accident is being investigated by local law enforcement, the statement said. It occurred during a heavy rainstorm. The driver of the other vehicle is hospitalized. Both missionaries were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
“We express our love and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elder Carter and Elder Fowler and to the missionaries in the Texas Fort Worth Mission,” the statement said. “We pray that all will be uplifted by the Savior’s love and feel comfort during this difficult and trying time.”
No other details were provided.
