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LDS missionary from Utah killed in Guatemala

Posted at 9:47 PM, Jun 21, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-22 18:46:04-04

SALT LAKE CITY – A missionary with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died on Wednesday after coming into contact with a high-voltage wire on a building.

Elder Siosiua Andrew Taufa, 20, of Salt Lake City, had been serving in the Guatemala Retalhuleu Mission with the LDS Church for 18 months.

Taufa was trying to patch the leaky roof for a Guatemalan family in the middle of a rainstorm when he came in contact with the high-voltage wire.

The Taufa family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, but they did provide a statement, which said:

“On behalf of our family and Elder Taufa, we are so thankful for the thoughts, prayers, and kindness that have been extended to us during this difficult and trying time.

Elder Siosiua Taufa was a dedicated, inspiring, and faithful missionary who loved serving the Lord. Through his service he has forever blessed the lives of many, both in Guatemala and here at home.

We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. We are thankful for our knowledge and testimonies of that plan.  As we celebrate his life we look forward to being reunited with him some day.”

Taufa’s father worked within Gov. Gary Herbert’s Utah Highway Patrol executive protection detail. Herbert released a statement Saturday, which said:

“This is a difficult time for all of us in the Herbert family. Ivan’s family is our family and so we mourn with them at the loss of a beloved son.  Our hearts and prayers are with Ivan, Sulieti and their family.  May they find peace and comfort in the reassurance of the Savior’s love and Atonement, and in the noble service their son rendered on His behalf.”