Another LDS Missionary Passes On Before His Time; Elder Jason Reid Wiberg Fatally Struck By Vehicle In Kuching, Malaysia

Another missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has his earthly mission terminated prematurely. Nineteen year old Elder Jason Reid Wiberg of Roy, Utah has passed on as a result of injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle in Kuching, Malaysia, located within the boundaries of the Singapore Mission. He had served there since October 2012. Media stories published by KSL Channel 5, the Deseret News, and KSTU Channel 13 all convey similar information.

The circumstances are more completely explained in a statement issued through the LDS Church by Elder Wiberg’s parents, Reid and Janice Wiberg:

“Elder Jason Wiberg, a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Roy, Utah, died on Sunday, August 25, 2013 in Kuching, Malaysia. He was severely injured when he was hit by a car as he was traveling home on his bicycle after his appointments Saturday evening August 24, 2013. After his accident his companion provided immediate first aid. Paramedics arrived quickly and he was transported to a hospital where he was stabilized. He was later transferred to a larger more advanced hospital where the medical staff provided treatment. In spite of the quick and excellent treatment he received his condition deteriorated. Jason’s organs were donated for transplant so he can continue to help and be with the people of Malaysia he so dearly loved. His missionary work will continue in the spirit world.

The family would like to express their appreciation and love to all those who have been praying for Jason. We all hoped for a miracle yet are comfortable with the knowledge and accept that God has other plans for Jason at this time.

The family would also like to express our sincere appreciation for his companion and all the medical personnel that worked so hard to save his life.”

Although the news stories don't specify what time of the evening the mishap occurred, sunset at Kuching took place at 6:46 P.M. local time on August 24th. So it's possible the motorist did not spot Elder Wiberg until it was too late. The accident investigation will reveal if this was the case. Elder Wiberg's name has been added to my partial list of missionaries who've given their lives while serving.

According to Doctrine & Covenants Section 138, missionaries who die while on mission service may continue their missions in the spirit world. In verse 57, President Joseph F. Smith wrote "I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead". This is part of the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead granted to Joseph F. Smith on October 3rd, 1918