Sam Penrod, spokesman with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared the following statement with media on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa West Mission.
Elder Makaba Kelvin Ilunga, 25, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, due to a vehicle accident. Elder Ilunga’s companion sustained minor injuries but is recuperating. Elder Ilunga is from the Kikula Democratic Republic of the Congo Stake and began his service as a full-time missionary for the Church in April 2023.
We send our love and condolences to Elder Ilunga’s family, friends and those he has served with as a missionary. We pray each will find peace in the gospel message Elder Ilunga has been sharing and feel an abundance of the Savior’s love during this tragic time.