Overview
- Elder Bassett, 59, died Monday of a traumatic brain injury after an incident in St. George, Utah, where he was with family, and officials have not detailed what happened.
- At the time of his death, he was the executive director of the Church’s Missionary Department, overseeing worldwide missionary efforts.
- A church statement said his service in that role coincided with historic growth in missionary efforts and unprecedented numbers choosing to serve, and Apostle Dale G. Renlund noted Monday a rise in applications and new missions.
- Days earlier he spoke at the Provo Missionary Training Center, urging missionaries to invite everyone to learn about the Church of Jesus Christ.
- The Church offered condolences to his wife, Angela, their five children, and grandchildren, and said funeral services are pending.