SALT LAKE CITY – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Sunday regarding a missionary who died while serving in Kuching, Malaysia.
LDS Church Spokeswoman Ruth Todd said in a statement that Elder Jason Reid Wiberg, 19, of Roy, Utah died from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike.
Wiberg had been serving as a full-time missionary since October of 2012.
Those who knew Wiberg said he was an eager and dedicated missionary who was devoted to helping others--even at an early age. Wiberg's former scout leader, Allen Karras, spoke about Wiberg.
“Just a really good kid," he said. "He was a no nonsense kid. He was very dedicated to going on his mission. Very dedicated as a scouter. Just a real committed young man who knew what he wanted in life."
Trotter said in her statement: “We are deeply saddened by Elder Wiberg's passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow missionaries during this difficult time.”
Elder Wiberg's parents, Reid and Janice Wiberg, released the following statement through the LDS Church:
"Elder Jason Wiberg, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Roy, Utah, died on Sunday, August 25, 2013 in Kuching, Malaysia. He was severely injured when he was hit by a car as he was traveling home on his bicycle after his appointments Saturday evening August 24, 2013. After his accident his companion provided immediate first aid. Paramedics arrived quickly and he was transported to a hospital where he was stabilized. He was later transferred to a larger more advanced hospital where the medical staff provided treatment. In spite of the quick and excellent treatment he received his condition deteriorated. Jason’s organs were donated for transplant so he can continue to help and be with the people of Malaysia he so dearly loved. His missionary work will continue in the spirit world.
The family would like to express their appreciation and love to all those who have been praying for Jason. We all hoped for a miracle yet are comfortable with the knowledge and accept that God has other plans for Jason at this time.
The family would also like to express our sincere appreciation for his companion and all the medical personnel that worked so hard to save his life."
FOX 13 News will have more information as it becomes available.
