LDS Church Statement

Church Expresses Sympathy in Missionary Incident

4 January 2006

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church released the following statement following the tragic death of one of its missionaries and the wounding of another in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Monday, 2 January 2005:

“We are deeply saddened at the death of Elder Morgan Winslow Young. Our hearts reach out in sympathy, love and appreciation to his parents, family members and friends at this difficult time. We pray that they will find peace and comfort in the promises of the Lord concerning those who give their lives in His service.

“We have been heartened by the many expressions of sympathy and regret by the good people of Virginia who join with us in mourning his loss.“We likewise express our sympathy and love for Elder Joshua Dirk Heidbrink, who sustained serious injuries in the same incident. We are grateful that his life was spared and pray for his complete recovery.

“We assure those currently serving missions or who are contemplating missionary service that the Church will continue to make every effort to safeguard the health and safety of missionaries throughout the world.”