SALT LAKE CITY -- A Mormon missionary from Utah died of unknown causes overnight Friday in Wisconsin.
Elder Jeremy McCauley, 19, of Payson, Utah, had served in the church's Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission since November, said a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The missionary's parents, Scott and Marni McCauley, released a statement on Saturday afternoon.
"Our family is so very sad at the passing of our dear son," the statement said. "We have been so pleased with his service as a missionary and for his love and dedication to Jesus Christ. While this loss is devastating, we take faith in what we know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we know that we will be with him again, as a family forever, which is the essence of the beautiful message he was so excited to share with the people of Wisconsin."
McCauley died in the Kenosha, Wisconsin, area, according to a post on the mission's Facebook page.
"We are saddened to share news of the death of one of our young missionaries," LDS Church spokesman Eric Hawkins said, adding, "We mourn with his family and loved ones and pray that they may be comforted as they deal with this tragic loss."
McCauley earned his Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America a year ago, according to the Daily Herald's website. He collected, organized and delivered hygiene kits for Community Action Services and Food Bank.