Two missionaries serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas Fort Worth Mission lost their lives in a two-vehicle crash in Denton, Texas on May 18.
“We are saddened to share news of the passing of two young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who were killed in a head-on traffic collision on Tuesday in Denton, Texas,” said Church spokesman Sam Penrod in a statement released on May 19.
The two missionaries that were killed in the accident are Elder Luke Masakazu Carter, 18, and Elder Eli Jon Fowler, 20.
Elder Carter was from Springville Utah and started his missionary service in November 2020. Elder Fowler was from Pueblo West, Colorado, and started his missionary service in January 2020.
The accident occurred during a rainstorm. Penrod said that local law enforcement is currently investigating the cause of the accident and both missionaries had been wearing seatbelts during it.
“We express our love and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elder Carter and Elder Fowler and to the missionaries in the Texas Fort Worth Mission. We pray that all will be uplifted by the Savior’s love and feel comfort during this difficult and trying time,” Penrod said in the news release.
First responders were dispatched to the crash around 10:53 a.m. at East Sherman and FM 2153. The two elders were pronounced dead at the scene and a male in the other vehicle was moved to a local hospital for treatment.
