Mormon Missionary Killed by Drunk Driver
David M. Bresnahan
April 24, 2006
SALT LAKE CITY ? A drunk driver hit and killed a Mormon missionary Sunday morning and injured his companion as the two were walking to church, according to a church spokesman.
Elder Matthew S. Turley, 21, of Ridgefield, Conn. was killed at the scene and Elder Tyler A. Watts, 20, of West Valley City, Utah was injured when a car left the road and hit them as they walked along a foot path. The two were serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Argentina.
Turley was scheduled to return home in just three months. Missionaries serve without pay and at their own expense for two years. There are approximately 52,000 missionaries serving in many areas throughout the world.
The missionaries were on their way to meet a family that is preparing for baptism and accompany them to Church meetings. Local Church members assisted the missionaries following the accident, according to a church spokesman.
A report in the El Diario de la Rep?a newspaper said the car struck the two from behind after the driver lost control of the car and crossed a highway. The driver was identified as Daniel Hip?o Mart? 27, who reportedly fled the scene, but was captured by police. The report said he tested positive for alcohol in his blood.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Elder Turley," said Church spokesman Dale Bills. "We pray that the Lord will comfort them as they mourn his loss. Our prayers are also with Elder Watts and his family as he recovers from his injuries."
This work will continue to go forward, regardless of what happens, regardless of what the future may hold,? Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said recently as he discussed accidents and violence to missionaries.
He said that such tragic deaths are rare among Latter-day Saint missionaries, and that every possible precaution is taken to protect them. Despite all the Church does to protect its missionaries, Ballard acknowledged that violence and accidents will happen from time to time, and missionaries may be hurt or killed.
Our hearts are always heavy, regardless of what the circumstances are, when any of our missionaries have any kind of tragic experience,? he said. Ballard emphasizing that such tragedies will not stop the Church?s work of sharing the restored gospel of the Savior.
Joseph Smith (the Church?s founding prophet) made it abundantly clear that there would be nothing that would stop this work from rolling forward till the Great Jehovah comes forward and says the work is done. And He hasn?t said that yet,? said Ballard.
The Latter-day Saint Church has a web site at LDS.org.
Elder Matthew S. Turley, 21, of Ridgefield, Conn. was killed at the scene and Elder Tyler A. Watts, 20, of West Valley City, Utah was injured when a car left the road and hit them as they walked along a foot path. The two were serving as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Argentina.
Turley was scheduled to return home in just three months. Missionaries serve without pay and at their own expense for two years. There are approximately 52,000 missionaries serving in many areas throughout the world.
The missionaries were on their way to meet a family that is preparing for baptism and accompany them to Church meetings. Local Church members assisted the missionaries following the accident, according to a church spokesman.
A report in the El Diario de la Rep?a newspaper said the car struck the two from behind after the driver lost control of the car and crossed a highway. The driver was identified as Daniel Hip?o Mart? 27, who reportedly fled the scene, but was captured by police. The report said he tested positive for alcohol in his blood.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Elder Turley," said Church spokesman Dale Bills. "We pray that the Lord will comfort them as they mourn his loss. Our prayers are also with Elder Watts and his family as he recovers from his injuries."
This work will continue to go forward, regardless of what happens, regardless of what the future may hold,? Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said recently as he discussed accidents and violence to missionaries.
He said that such tragic deaths are rare among Latter-day Saint missionaries, and that every possible precaution is taken to protect them. Despite all the Church does to protect its missionaries, Ballard acknowledged that violence and accidents will happen from time to time, and missionaries may be hurt or killed.
Our hearts are always heavy, regardless of what the circumstances are, when any of our missionaries have any kind of tragic experience,? he said. Ballard emphasizing that such tragedies will not stop the Church?s work of sharing the restored gospel of the Savior.
Joseph Smith (the Church?s founding prophet) made it abundantly clear that there would be nothing that would stop this work from rolling forward till the Great Jehovah comes forward and says the work is done. And He hasn?t said that yet,? said Ballard.
The Latter-day Saint Church has a web site at LDS.org.
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