Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Amanda Butterfield ReportingA missionary from West Valley City serving for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was hurt in a car crash over the weekend in Argentina. His companion was killed.
The missionary that died was from Connecticut and set an example for his community before he served.
Matthew Turley has played sports since he was five years old, but never on Sundays.
That was the first line in a story the local paper did on Turley before he left on his mission.
He was deciding whether to play in his high school football state championship. Turley's dilema: whether to play in the game, or honor the Sabbath.
A local Reverend compared him to Eric Lydel in Chariots of Fire, a runner who wouldn't run the first day of the 1924 Olympics Games because it was on a Sunday.
The article attracted calls and e-mails from across the country, and as far as Australia. Turley was quoted as saying it's the hardest decision he's ever had to make.
It was this past Sunday in San Luis, Argentina, Turley was killed walking to church. He and his campanion were hit from behind by a drunk driver.
Elder Tyler A. Watts from West Valley was injured.
Roger Nordgren/Stake President: "As far as we're aware, he'll recover and continue on his mission. He's a great young man and has a great attitude and perspective, and he'll do well."
When Elder Turley died, he only had three months left on his mission. His family already had tickets to pick him up. His father told KSL Matthew was "A very determined young man in all he did, and his mission was no exception."
So did Turley play in that championship game? No. By the way, Turley's team won.
Elder Watts, of West Valley, is due home this fall.
