FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE-In a statement from Friday, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spokesman Daniel Woodruff confirmed the death of a young missionary.

19-year-old Elder Antonio Schwenke of Vailima, Samoa passed away because of complications from malaria.

Elder Schwenke was serving in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission, having commenced his service in May 2019.

Woodruff expressed the Church is “deeply saddened” at his death and is sincerely praying for his family and loved ones at this tragic time.