Two missionaries die in Romania
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Two missionaries serving in the Romania Bucharest Mission passed away Jan. 30, 2010, after accidental natural gas asphyxiation, local authorities said.
Elder Jace Edwards Davis, 21, from Logandale, Nev., and his companion, Elder McKay Choy Burrows, 20, from Highland, Utah, died sometime during the night after going to bed.
"We extend our love and sympathy to the elders' families and friends," said Scott Trotter, Church spokesman, in a release. "We pray that the Spirit of the Lord will bring them peace and comfort at this difficult time."
Elder Burrows and Elder Davis had planned on serving a full-time mission their entire lives. They were great examples to all ages of people who loved their missions and loved serving the Lord, said their family members and friends.
Elder Davis had been serving his mission for just over a year.
"He had a very fun personality," said Herb Waite, who replaced Jace's dad, Larry Davis, as bishop of the Logandale 3rd Ward a few weeks ago. "I was his Young Men president. He was one of those kids that had a good personality, that got along with everybody. He was a real clever, smart kid."
In high school, Jace was a valedictorian of his Moapa Valley High School graduating class, editor of the yearbook and played violin in the chamber orchestra. He was academic all-state in baseball and tennis and earned his Eagle Scout award. Prior to his mission he attended BYU-Idaho.
"He loved his mission and the Romanian people," Sister Pam Waite said. "It's a great loss for us all."
At the time of his death, Elder Davis had been serving as a district leader in his missionary assignments, as well as second counselor in his branch presidency.
Elder Davis is survived by his parents, Larry and Donna Davis, and three siblings.
Elder Burrows left on his mission in June of 2009 and had been in the country since August.
"McKay passed from this life while fulfilling his life-long desire and commitment to serve a mission," the Burrows family said in a written statement. "He served in an exemplary manner, touching many lives for the better, including the people he taught, the members of the Church in Romania, his companions and his family and friends at home. He will return home with honor."
In high school, McKay was an honor student and a talented pianist. He earned his Eagle Scout award and was also involved in all types of sports. Prior to his missionary service he attended BYU.
He was actively involved in Church activities, even accepting a call to accompany the ward choir on the piano when he was a priest in the Young Men program.
"When I think of him I think of his bright, energetic smile," said Pat Hendrickson, McKay's former bishop and close friend's father. "It reflects the happiness he has inside of him. He was a sincere young man, and there wasn't anything fake about him."
Elder Burrows is survived by his parents, Dana and Shirley Burrows, and two younger siblings.
Funeral services for both Elder Davis and Elder Burrows have not yet been scheduled. The Romania Bucharest Mission had plans for a mission memorial on Thursday, Feb. 4.
