The news of the death of President Russell M. Nelson prompted immediate reactions from around the world to the life and contributions of the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote on X.com about the lifesaving impact President Nelson had as a pioneering heart doctor who performed open-heart surgery on his grandparents.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox wrote on X about President Nelson’s ability to “built bridges across faith traditions and cultures, serving God’s children throughout the world.”
Utah’s First Lady, Abby Cox, said it was her wish that President Nelson’s legacy of peacemaking will live on.
“With broken hearts we say goodbye ...,” she said on Instagram.
“We also celebrate a life that lifted countless people and left an enduring legacy of hope and strength,” said Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah.
The news of President Nelson’s death arrived shortly after BYU beat Colorado in a late-night Big 12 football game in Boulder, Colorado. The Church of Jesus Christ sponsors BYU and President Nelson was chairman of BYU’s board of trustees at the time of his death.
The timing led to a number of reactions from sports personalities.
The BYU Cougars account referenced the hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” in a message of gratitude.
BYU football coach Kalani Sitake spoke with KSL NewsRadio’s voice of the Cougars, Greg Wrubell, about President Nelson’s legacy and his belief in the afterlife as a fellow Latter-day Saint.
“Just sad that he’s gone, but we all know where he’s at and just really grateful that I was able to see him as our leader and as our prophet,” Sitake said.
The football coach shared the team’s condolences, thoughts and prayers with the Nelson family. He also said the church president did “a great job of serving here on earth” and said he would continue to use the leaders’ words with his players.
Sitake said President Nelson’s conference talks provided insights about peacemaking and doing things differently that were beneficial to BYU football.
The entire exchange between Sitake, Wrubell and Wrubell’s broadcast partner Hans Olsen is on the Deseret News YouTube page.
Olsen also shared a message, calling President Nelson “an amazing leader.”
Mark Durrant, Wrubell’s partner on BYU men’s basketball broadcasts, also honored President Nelson.
Former BYU basketball player Jonathan Tavernari expressed his love for the man Latter-day Saints revered as a prophet.
The Deseret News published a new short video, “A Man of Heart,” with clips of President Nelson ministering around the world and audio of him speaking as a new apostle and as the church’s prophet.
Other Latter-day Saints also shared their feelings and testimonies of President Nelson’s calling.
Former Sen. Mitt Romney said the most profound characteristic he and his wife noted in President Nelson was his kindness.
Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said he blessed her life and millions of others.
Visit Temple Square used a similar sentiment and shared a quote from President Nelson about being strengthened during difficult times.
University of Utah President Taylor Randall said President Nelson’s “remarkable journey, from U alum to pioneering heart surgeon to global faith leader, reflects a life of innovation, compassion, and devotion.”
Mike Mower, senior advisor to Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox for community outreach and intergovernmental affairs, referenced another hymn in his remembrance, “We Thank Thee, O God, for A Prophet.”
A mother in England shared a story from this weekend about herself and her restless toddler and the peace and connection President Nelson provided them.
Utah House Rep. Doug Fiefia, R-Salt Lake and a Latter-day Saint, said he was “grateful to have lived in a time guided” by President Nelson.
Some who reacted noted that President Nelson died exactly a week before the church’s 195th semiannual general conference is scheduled to begin.
Robert Hill pointed people to the church leader’s recent essay in Time Magazine.
LDS Living hailed his “joyful discipleship.”