Latter-day Saint Life

Missionary Serving in Australia Dies After Falling from Cliff

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An LDS missionary serving in Sydney, Australia, died Monday after he slipped and fell off a cliff. 

Elder Gavin Paul Zimmerman, 19, was with a group of missionaries at a popular sightseeing area when he slipped, according to a Church statement. 

"Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with Elder Zimmerman's family and loved ones as they remember his life and mourn his passing. We pray they will feel the love of our Heavenly Father at this tragic time," Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said. 

According to the statement, Zimmerman was from West Haven, Utah, and attended Fremont High School where he participated in track and football. He had been serving his mission since August 2017. 

"It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the news of our son’s passing from this earth to return home to his Heavenly Father," Zimmerman's family said in a statement. ". . . Gavin served in several leadership positions in the mission field. He was a great example to us all, and he loved his mission very much. He enjoyed teaching people and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved the Savior Jesus Christ and his family, and we loved him. Gavin was a bright light in our lives! We are so grateful for our Father in Heaven’s plan of salvation. We know that we will be with him again one day. Our family will miss him greatly until we meet again."

Lead photo courtesy of the Zimmerman family

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