General Authorities , LDS around the world

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett , who died on May 11, 2026, at age 59 from a traumatic brain injury while with his family in St. George, Utah .

The news was released through an official statement published by the Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A leader linked to missionary work

Elder W. Mark Bassett delivers an address at general conference held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Since April 2016 , Elder Bassett served as a General Authority Seventy and, at the time of his passing, was serving as Executive Director of the Church's Missionary Department , overseeing missionary work throughout the world.

His service coincided with one of the periods of greatest missionary growth in recent years, marked by a historic increase in the number of young people and adults who decided to serve missions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints noted that he will be remembered for "his great faith and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ ," as well as for the love and influence he left on thousands of missionaries around the world.

A final message for missionaries

Elder W. Mark Bassett, executive director of the Missionary Department, delivers an address at the 2024 Seminar for New Missionary Leaders. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Just days before his passing, Elder Bassett participated in a devotional for missionaries at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah . There he shared a message focused on inviting people to draw closer to Jesus Christ.

During that meeting, he stated:

"Invite everyone to come and do everything possible to help them enter through this beautiful door that leads to eternal life."

Those who knew him remember that this invitation summed up the way he lived his ministry : with dedication, closeness, and love for people.

A legacy of service and faith

Elder W. Mark Bassett, executive director of the Missionary Department, delivers an address at the 2024 Seminar for New Missionary Leaders. Image: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Over the years, Elder Bassett participated in numerous assignments related to missionary work and strengthening Church members. His leadership was especially impactful among young missionaries , who constantly heard from him messages of faith, hope, and commitment to Jesus Christ .

The Church of Jesus Christ also expressed its support and love for his family during this difficult time, especially his wife Angela, his children, and his grandchildren .

A reminder of a life dedicated to the Gospel

Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy, speaks during a devotional meeting held at the Missionary Training Center in Provo. Image:

Elder Bassett's passing leaves many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints saddened, but also grateful for a life dedicated to service . His example reflects how one person can quietly influence thousands of lives by steadfastly and lovingly following Jesus Christ.

For many missionaries and members around the world, his legacy will remain not only in the callings he had, but in the way he taught to serve with the heart.


Source: newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org

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