A 68-year-old senior missionary was killed in a lawn mower accident in Missouri over the weekend, according to a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brent Blackburn died on Saturday, Aug. 23, after the lawn mower he was riding overturned on a hillside, church spokesperson Sam Penrod said in a statement. The accident happened at Adam-ondi-Ahman, a historic site owned by the church.
No additional details were released.
Blackburn and his wife, Carolyn, who are from Utah, had been serving as temporary volunteers for the church in the area since April 2025, Penrod noted.
“Our condolences and prayers are with Sister Blackburn and their family at this difficult time. We pray that all who are affected by this will feel the peace and comfort of our loving Heavenly Father as they honor the life and faithful service of Elder Blackburn,” Penrod said.
In the Mormon church, young men are typically called to serve two-year proselytizing missions, while young women serve for 18 months. Assignments can be either domestic or international, determined by church leadership.
Church members over the age of 40 may also serve as senior missionaries, with service usually lasting between one and two years.
