UTAH, March 23, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The families the three Utah missionaries hurt in the Tuesday morning terrorist attack in Belgium have released statements through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The injured men are Elder Mason Wells, 19, of Sandy; Elder Joseph Dresden Empey, who goes by Dresden, of Santa Clara, Utah; and Elder Richard Norby, 66, of Lehi, who appears to have sustained the most serious injuries.
Also hurt in the attack was Sister Fanny Rachel Clain, 20, of Montélimar, France, whom the men had escorted to the airport, and who was in another part of the airport when the explosives went off. All four had been serving in the France-Paris Mission.
No church statement was released by Clain’s family. Prepared statements follow. To see a video recorded by Elder Frederic J. Babin, France-Paris mission president, click on the link above.
Wells family
“We are grateful that our son, Elder Mason Wells, survived the attack and is receiving quality medical care. We have spoken to him briefly and he feels blessed that he wasn’t injured more, given his close proximity to the bomb.
“He has undergone surgery to repair his Achilles tendon, and he’s also been treated for burns and shrapnel injuries. As a family, we feel the power of prayer from those we know and those who only heard Mason’s name for the first time today. We will continue to pray and hope for everyone affected by this tragedy.” — Chad and Kymberly Wells
Empey family
“This has been a difficult day for our family, and our hearts are broken for those injured or killed by the attacks in Belgium. We are grateful our son, Elder Joseph Dresden Empey, is alive and doing well.
“He has been treated for second-degree burns to his hands, face, and head, and surgery was just completed for shrapnel injuries to his legs. We have been in touch with him and he is grateful and in good spirits.
“We have also been in contact with his mission president. We are thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers from throughout the world, and we pray for all those affected by this tragedy.” —Court and Amber Empey
Norby family:
“Richard Norby, a missionary serving in the Paris, France mission was injured in the bombing of the Brussels Airport on Wednesday 22 March 2016. He sustained several wounds from the shrapnel, second-degree burns to his head and neck area, along with more severe trauma from shrapnel to his lower leg.
“After a lengthy surgery, he was placed in a medically-induced coma, and will remain in this state for the next few days, with a lengthy recovery expected. His wife, Pamela Norby, was not at the airport at the time of the attack and is supporting him during this challenging time.
“As his family, we wish to express our deep appreciation to his caring and competent medical staff and to all those who have expressed well-wishes and prayers on his behalf. We wish to express our love to the Paris, France mission president, President Babin, his wife, and the fine missionaries. Our prayers go out to all those who were affected by this terrible tragedy and wish for the speedy recovery of all the wounded bystanders.” — The Norby Family
