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    8 January 2021 - Salt Lake City
    Official Statement

    Car Accident Takes the Life of a Young Missionary in Arkansas

    Three other missionaries were injured but are expected to recover

    Elder Jake Smith of Lehi, Utah, died Thursday, January 7, 2021, in a car accident near Rose Bud, Arkansas.

    Elder-Jake-Smith.jpg
    Elder Jake Smith of Lehi, UtahPhoto courtesy of the Smith family
            

    Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released the following statement on the passing of Elder Smith:

    Four young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were involved in an automobile accident Thursday evening near Rose Bud, Arkansas. Tragically, one of those missionaries passed away. Elder Jake Smith, age 19, is from Lehi, Utah, and had been serving as a missionary since August 2019.

    The other three missionaries in the vehicle were injured but are expected to recover. Elder McKay Jurges of West Jordan, Utah, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized. Elder Gavin Hatch of Cedar Hills, Utah, and Elder Eli Sutherland of San Diego, California, both sustained minor injuries. We pray for all of them as they recover. We also express our sincere condolences to the family of Elder Smith and to all the missionaries of the Arkansas Little Rock Mission. We pray they will each feel the Savior’s love and comfort during this difficult time.

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