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Two Latter-day Saint missionaries pass away after unrelated illnesses

Posted at 9:15 PM, Mar 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-15 10:39:41-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Two missionaries with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in different places died within just a few days this week.

Sister Katherine Pindar, age 19, of Mesa, Arizona, died in her sleep "following a brief illness," the church announced Thursday. It was not specified what illness she was experiencing, and the exact cause of her death is undetermined at this point. She was serving in the Texas Houston East Mission since August 2019.

"We are mindful of her family and loved ones and pray they will feel comfort and peace at this extremely difficult time," church spokesman Daniel Woodruff said.

Elder Antonio Schwenke, age 19, of Vailima, Samoa, died Friday due to complications from malaria, the church announced. He was in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission since May 2019.

"We are deeply saddened by this news and pray sincerely for his family and loved ones as they mourn his passing and remember his life," Woodruff said.