Elder Richard Keith Black, a missionary in the South Africa Cape Town Mission, died after he was stuck by a car while crossing an intersection on his bicycle.
According to Inspector Madeline Hayes of the Kuils River Police Station, the accident occurred about 7 p.m. Saturday. He was airlifted by police helicopter to Milnerton Hospital in Cape Town where he was pronounced dead on arrival with massive head injuries, she said.He was wearing a helmet.
Kuils River is an upscale suburb of Cape Town.
Black, 19, Murray, had been in South Africa 2 1/2 months as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
His companion, Elder Tyler Erickson, was not injured.
According to Mike Otterson, media relations director for the church, there seemed to be no evidence of foul play and Black's death was an accident.
Black's parents, John and Shauna Black, were vacationing in Southern California at the time of the accident, said Bishop Mark Dietlein of the Murray Riverside 5th Ward.
He said he notified Black's two older brothers and his older sister of their brother's death.
Dietlein said he spoke with the parents over the phone around 8:30 p.m. Saturday notifying them of the accident. They returned to Salt Lake City Sunday.
"I was amazed at the strength the siblings demonstrated in basically accepting and understanding there must be a reason behind this, and that the Lord is someone who governs all the decisions and things that happen here on earth," Dietlein said.
"This young man was absolutely exceptional."
Ross Johnson, who was Black's employer at a wholesale business for two years, agreed.
"He was an outstanding employee who was dedicated, honest, and who did an exceptional job. He was so committed to whatever he put his mind to."
Black graduated from Murray High School two years ago where he had a 3.99 GPA. He had all A's except for one A-minus in his high school career.
Dietlein said Black was a goal-oriented person, an accomplished musician, and was anxious and excited to serve a mission in South Africa.
Funeral arrangements had not been set as of Monday morning. Officials were working out details for the return of Black's body to the United States.