Search
    14 March 2020 - Salt Lake City
    News Release

    Young Missionary Dies in Sierra Leone

    Elder Antonio Schwenke was serving in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission

    Elder Antonio Schwenke photo.jpg
    Elder Antonio Schwenke, age 19, of Vailima, Samoa, had been serving in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission since May 2019.Image courtesy of the family
              

    A missionary serving for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. The following statement is from Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff:

    Our hearts are heavy as we share news of the passing of a young missionary.

    Elder Antonio Schwenke, age 19, of Vailima, Samoa, passed away Friday due to complications from malaria. He had been serving in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission since May 2019. We are deeply saddened by this news and pray sincerely for his family and loved ones as they mourn his passing and remember his life.

    Previous Article President Nelson Shares Message of Hope During COVID-19 Outbreak Next Article Update on How COVID-19 Is Impacting Missionary Service

    Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.