SALT LAKE CITY — A 21-year-old Mormon missionary has died after he was struck by a vehicle on Sunday while walking with his companion in Samoa.
"Elder Aaron Ahkau Matapa Patiole, age 21, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle in Upolu, Samoa, as he and his companion were walking together," said Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in a statement released Sunday.
Patiole is from Australia. He had been in the Samoa Apia Mission since December 2016.
The incident happened on Sunday afternoon, Samoa time.
"With great sadness we announce the death of one of our full-time missionaries," Hawkins said in his statement.
"We are grieved by his loss," he added, "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."