It seems to be an especially tough year to be on a mission. This is from the Deseret News.
CALI, Colombia — A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Colombia was shot and killed Saturday by a stray bullet, church officials confirmed Sunday.
Jose Daniel Encarnacion Montero of the Dominican Republic, was with three other missionaries when he was struck by a stray bullet, according to LDS Church spokeswoman Ruth Todd. The other missionaries were unharmed and the incident is currently under investigation by police in Colombia, Todd said.
“Elder Encarnacion’s passing will be deeply felt in the mission and by all who knew him,” Todd said in a prepared statement. “We grieve with his family and friends during this time of mourning and extend to them our love, prayers, and deepest sympathy.”
Another missionary was killed yesterday in Idaho.
“[Elder David F. Evans, Executive Director of the Church’s Missionary Department] was commenting on the fact that 10 young missionaries serving around the world have died from accident or illness over the course of this year. The latest serious accident occurred in Idaho yesterday – a road accident which left a young missionary hospitalized and on life support.”
See http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865585805/LDS-officials-say-missionary-deaths-are-rare-missions-are-inherently-safe.html?pg=all
Is this related to the younger mission age, or just a coincidence?
This is probably not so much connected to the younger mission age, but more likely an unfortunate consequence of the missionary surge. When you increase the missionary force by thousands, the number of accidents and deaths also increases. The mishap rate for missionaries is probably the same as it has been for years.
It looks like the missionary in Idaho will die. The deseret news reported his family is keeping him alive so they can donate his organs.
The Idaho missionary passed away: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865585925/LDS-missionary-in-Idaho-succumbs-to-injuries.html (There are other links to missionary deaths this year at the bottom of the article.)
Let’s remember this family in our prayers. They’re in need of comfort and support.
I recall a quote from Patton, extrapolating for sending our young men to preach the Gospel instead of getting other young men to die for their country. It’s well to mourn that these young men die, but let’s be grateful that they lived and did noble deeds among us.