Missionary missing in Samoa accident
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APIA, Samoa — A full-time missionary for the Church is missing following a flooding accident in Samoa on Nov. 23.
Searchers are looking for Elder Michael Joshua Bent from Minot, N.D., who had been in the field for 14 months.
Church spokesman Bruce Olsen said the accident occurred at a flood-swollen river crossing in the Samoa Apia Mission. A van carrying eight missionaries was returning from a meeting and attempted to traverse a river crossing. Halfway across, Elder Bent, who was driving, realized the river level had risen significantly and stopped the vehicle.
However, the engine stopped and the force of the water turned the van sideways. It then rolled over several times. Seven of the missionaries exited the vehicle and struggled to safety, but Elder Bent did not and was swept downstream. The river empties into the ocean.
