TULSA, Okla. — An Arkansas woman died Tuesday after participating in a pioneer reenactment activity with other members of her LDS Church congregation.
Meaghan Blair, 29, suffered a heat-related seizure and a spinal cord injury caused by excessive body temperature, according to a Facebook posting made by her sister on Monday.
Sarah Waddoups, a spokeswoman for the Blair family, told FOX 13 the cause of death has not yet been determined.
A statement (below) from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints indicates Blair was serving as a youth leader for a “youth trek activity” near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Participants in LDS Church treks often dress in pioneer-era clothing and pull heavy handcarts to simulate the experiences of Mormon pioneers who traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-19th century.
Statement by LDS Church spokeswoman Deborah Neria:
“We express our love and deepest sympathies to the family of Meaghan Blair, age 29, who died while participating in a youth trek activity (celebrating Mormon pioneer heritage) near Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was serving as a youth leader on the activity, and died from heat-related causes. This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and all who knew her. Meaghan leaves behind a husband, Michael, and two young children. Local church members have been in close contact with the family to offer their love and support. We pray that they will be blessed with God’s peace and understanding as they deal with this terrible loss.”
