LDS Church leader dies after traumatic brain injury

leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also LDS Church or the Mormon Church) died of “traumatic brain injury.” newsletter from church

Elder W. Mark BassettThe new statement stated that the 59-year-old, who died on Monday, May 11, was the Executive Director of the Missionary Department and oversaw missionary efforts around the world.

The church did not provide details about the incident that caused Bassett’s injuries, but said the “incident” occurred at Bassett’s St. Mary’s Church in Utah. He said it happened while he was with his family in St. George.

“Our love and prayers are with his beloved wife Angela, his children and grandchildren during this difficult time,” the church said.

Bassett married his wife Angela in December 1989 and the couple had five children. Bassett’s biography page on the church website.

Bassett speaks at event days before her death

The church said Bassett spoke at a meeting for missionaries at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, days before he died.

“Invite everyone to come and do what you can to help them enter this beautiful door to eternal life,” Bassett said during the dedication ceremony.

Bassett has served as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since April 2, 2016, according to the LDS Church website. He served as a member of the church in the Regional Presidencies of Brazil, North America Northeast, and North America Southeast.

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This article first appeared on USA TODAY: LDS Church leader W. Mark Bassett dies of traumatic brain injury