A young full-time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, March 10.
Elder Jean Lendo Phuati, 26, had been serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Mbuji-Mayi Mission in the country’s south-central area since August 2021.
“Elder Phuati passed away in the hospital after he began feeling ill,” said Church spokesperson Sam Penrod in a statement published the same day on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. “The cause of death remains undetermined at this time, although he experienced symptoms related to a cardiac event while in the hospital.”
Penrod added: “Our prayers go to Elder Phuati’s family, friends, fellow missionaries and those in his home community, that they may be comforted by the Savior’s love during this time of mourning.”
