Elder Jake Smith of Lehi, Utah, died Thursday, January 7, 2021, in a car accident near Rosebud, Arkansas.
Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released the following statement on the passing of Elder Smith:
Four young missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were involved in an automobile accident Thursday evening near Rosebud, Arkansas. Tragically, one of those missionaries passed away. Elder Jake Smith, age 19, is from Lehi, Utah, and had been serving as a missionary since August 2019.
The other three missionaries in the vehicle were injured but are expected to recover. Elder McKay Jurges of West Jordan, Utah, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized. Elder Gavin Hatch of Cedar Hills, Utah, and Elder Eli Sutherland of San Diego, California, both sustained minor injuries. We pray for all of them as they recover. We also express our sincere condolences to the family of Elder Smith and to all the missionaries of the Arkansas Little Rock Mission. We pray they will each feel the Savior’s love and comfort during this difficult time.
