The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today on the passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett:
We are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy who had been serving since April of 2016. Elder Bassett passed away on May 11, 2026, as a result of a traumatic brain injury. He was with his family in St. George, Utah, when the incident occurred.
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At the time of his death, Elder Bassett was serving as the Executive Director of the Missionary Department, overseeing worldwide missionary efforts. His service in this calling coincided with a period of historic growth in missionary efforts around the world and unprecedented levels of missionaries deciding to serve. Elder Bassett will be deeply missed and always remembered for his great faith and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
During a devotional for missionaries held at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah, just days before his passing, Elder Bassett bore testimony and challenged missionaries to “Invite everyone to come – and do everything you can to help them enter this beautiful gate which leads to eternal life.” His devotion in life reflected these teachings and leaves a loving legacy for all.
Our love and prayers are with his dear wife Angela, his children, and his grandchildren during this difficult time.
