Official Statement

Missionary Dies in the Philippines

Elder Papa Fe’iloaki of Tonga had served since June 2022

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Elder Papa Fe’iloaki.© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sam Penrod, spokesman with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released this statement to media on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of a young missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Papa Fe’iloaki, 22, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, in a hospital in the Philippines. Elder Fe’iloaki, from Tonga, had been serving as a missionary since June 2022. He was serving in the Philippines Olongapo Mission at the time of his passing.

Elder Fe’iloaki was admitted to the hospital with a fever and pneumonia and passed away a short time later. At this time, a cause of his symptoms and death is being determined.

We express our deepest sympathies and love to Elder Fe’iloaki’s family and friends and to his fellow missionaries who have served at his side for the past 13 months. We pray each will feel the Savior’s comfort and strength during this difficult time.

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