Utah missionary serving in North Carolina killed in auto-pedestrian crash

SALT LAKE CITY (KSL.com) — An 18-year-old missionary from Magna who was serving in the North Carolina Charlotte Mission was killed on Thursday in an auto-pedestrian crash.

“It is with much sadness that we share with you that a tragic accident in North Carolina has claimed the life of a young missionary,” Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said in a statement on Friday.

A driver lost control and veered onto the sidewalk and hit two of three companions, killing Elder Aleki Langi, the church said. A second missionary was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and the third was not injured.

Elder Langi began his missionary service in March, leaving the Magna 2nd Ward in the Salt Lake Utah West Stake. He served in North Carolina on a temporary assignment while waiting for a visa to serve in the Jamaica Kingston Mission.

“We extend our deepest condolences and love to Elder Langi’s family, friends and fellow missionaries during this difficult time. We pray that they will each feel the Savior’s comfort and peace as they mourn his passing and honor his dedicated missionary service,” the church statement said.