UPOLOU, Samoa, Nov. 19, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — A 21-year-old missionary was killed when he was hit by a vehicle in Upolou, Samoa, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Sunday.
Elder Aaron Ahkau Matapa Patiole had been serving in the Samoa Apia mission since December 2016, Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a news release.
Hawkins said the vehicle hit Patiole while he was walking with his companion Sunday afternoon, Samoa time. Samoa is 21 hours ahead of Salt Lake City time.
The full statement from the church reads:
With great sadness we announce the death of one of our full-time missionaries. Elder Aaron Ahkau Matapa Patiole, age 21, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle in Upolou, Samoa as he and his companion were walking together. Elder Patiole has been serving since December 2016 in the Samoa Apia Mission. He is from the Macarthur Australia Stake. We are grieved by his loss and extend our prayers and love to his family and loved ones. We pray they will be blessed with peace as they mourn the loss of this valiant young man.
No other details have been released at this time.
Gephardt Daily will have more on this developing story as information becomes available.
