Missionary in Argentina killed by drunken driver
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A missionary was killed and his companion injured when they were struck from behind by a drunken driver in San Luis, Argentina, on Sunday morning, April 23.
Elder Matthew S. Turley, 21, of Ridgefield, Conn., died as a result of his injuries. Elder Tyler A. Watts, 20, of West Valley City, Utah, was treated at a local hospital and released and is expected to make a full recovery, according to information released by the Church.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Elder Turley," said Church spokesman Dale Bills. "We pray that the Lord will comfort them as they mourn his loss. Our prayers are also with Elder Watts and his family as he recovers from his injuries."
The missionaries, serving in the Argentina Mendoza Mission, were walking down a path beside a street when they were hit by the vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road. They were on their way to meet and accompany to Church a family that is preparing to be baptized. Local members assisted the missionaries following the accident, according to the Church information.
Elder Turley had served 21 months of his mission. He made the news in 2002 when, as a senior backup quarterback and receiver on the Ridgefield High School football team, he sat out as his team won the state championship in a game postponed to a Sunday due to a snowstorm.
Elder Watts had been on his mission 17 months.
