SALT LAKE CITY — Elder W. Mark Bassett, a general authority seventy who had been serving since April 2016, has died due to a traumatic brain injury, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Monday.
Elder Bassett, 59, was with his family in St. George when an incident occurred, according to a church press release — though officials did not indicate what happened.
At the time of his death, Elder Bassett was serving as executive director of the church missionary department, overseeing worldwide missionary efforts. The church's statement said he led the missionary department during a period of historic growth in missionary efforts around the world and of an unprecedented number of missionaries deciding to serve.
"Elder Bassett will be deeply missed and always remembered for his great faith and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ," a statement from the church reads.
In a devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center earlier this month, Elder Bassett challenged missionaries to invite everyone to learn about the church.
"Do everything you can to help them enter this beautiful gate which leads to eternal life," he said.
The church statement said, "Our love and prayers are with his dear wife Angela, his children and his grandchildren during this difficult time."
Elder Bassett gave two general conference talks: in October 2016 on spiritual development, and in April 2023 on waiting for divine intervention.
"While the Lord expects us to 'do all things that lie in our power,' remember that he will provide needed help in all these things as we trust in him," Elder Bassett said.
