Missionary killed in Taiwan

[JAHS]

LDS missionary in Taiwan dies after vehicle strikes his bike

SALT LAKE CITY — An 18-year-old Mormon missionary who died Tuesday in Taiwan after a car struck his bicycle had ended every letter home with the phrase he was living by — "It is not about you."

Elder David Smith Hampton's parents have chosen to live by that saying as they mourn his loss, they said in a statement.

"As can be imagined, we are still processing the news," said Steve and Cyndi Hampton, of North Ogden, Utah. "However, we are thankful he was serving the Lord as a missionary. In each of his letters, he expressed his pleasure to be on a mission. It was hard work, but it was a blessing for him and for us. And we know it will continue to be a blessing for us."

Hampton was serving in the Taiwan Taichung Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was transported to a hospital after the accident Tuesday but died due to head trauma and other injuries, said the family spokesman, Bishop Peter Wollschleger, to KSL Newsradio.

"Our hearts are saddened as we share the news of the death of one of our young missionaries," LDS spokesman Eric Hawkins said. "Our prayers are with his family and loved ones as we join with them in mourning his death."

Hampton entered the church's Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, in December to learn Mandarin. He had been in Taiwan for about two months.

The Hamptons learned of their son's death on Tuesday morning.

"He ended every letter with the phrase he was living by — 'It is not about you' — and indeed it is not," they said. "Our faith is strong that he has been taken home to that God who gave him life."

The Hamptons have a daughter serving an LDS mission in Tahiti. They have spoken to her and said she expressed her faith, too. No decision has been made whether she will return home for the funeral. No funeral plans have been made.

"The family's handling this incredibly well," Wollschleger said. "I know it's a difficult time for them, but they're a very strong family, very strong in the faith, in the LDS community."

Wollschleger said Hampton was an Eagle Scout who loved to run and bike and was involved in numerous school plays before his mission.

"It's a shock to me as well as the rest of the community," he said.

The Hamptons are receiving support from family and friends.

"We are thankful for our family who is with us and appreciate and are strengthened by their love and prayers and the love and prayers expressed by so many others," they said in their statement.

In 2013, LDS Church leaders released information indicating that Mormon missionaries generally are safer than others their age, citing World Health Organization statistics that show approximately 205 deaths per 100,000 young people. The rate among missionaries is 1/20th of that figure.

[Jeanne]

So saddened to hear this.  I like that his parents have found a way to find peace.  It's not about me..it's not about you.  It is about finding peace in a world that really needs it.  Hugs to all missionaries and to all people dealing with a loss this day.

 

[thesometimesaint]

Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

[ALarson]

I cannot even imagine the pain his family and friends are going through.  My thoughts and prayers are with them.