SALT LAKE CITY — An LDS missionary from New Zealand died from injuries sustained in a car accident while serving in South Africa, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed Saturday.
"We are deeply saddened to share news of the death of Elder Nofo-I-Lelenga Latu, age 19, from the Auckland New Zealand Tamaki Stake, Clover Park Ward," church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in an official statement.
Elder Latu, who was serving in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission, was killed in the crash Friday. He was with three other missionaries, all of whom were treated for minor injuries, Hawkins said.
"We pray for the family and loved ones of Elder Latu. May they be comforted and sustained in their time of mourning and loss," he said.
This is the fourth death of a full-time missionary in 2016, Hawkins said.