Tragic accident claims the life of a young missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The following information comes from the Church newsroom.

Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued the following statement on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the death of a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Kinshasa West Mission.

Elder Makaba Kelvin Ilunga, 25, died in a car accident on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Elder Ilunga's companion sustained minor injuries but is currently recovering. Elder Ilunga is from the Kikula Democratic Republic of Congo Stake and began serving as a full-time missionary for the Church in April 2023.

We send our love and condolences to Elder Ilunga's family, friends, and those with whom he served as a missionary. We pray that each of them will find peace in the gospel message that Elder Ilunga shares and will feel the Savior's love in abundance during this tragic time.