Utah Senior Missionary Dies in Missouri Mowing Accident

Elder Brent Blackburn, a 68-year-old senior missionary from Helper, Utah, serving with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died in a lawnmower accident at the Church's Adam-ondi-Ahman historic site near Gallatin, Missouri. The accident occurred when the riding lawn mower Blackburn was operating overturned on a side hill, causing fatal injuries. Blackburn had been serving alongside his wife, Sister Carolyn Blackburn, at the site since April 2025. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod expressed condolences and prayers for Sister Blackburn and their family and hoped that those affected would find peace and comfort. A funeral service is planned for September 6 in Centerville, Utah. The Church honored Elder Blackburn's life and faithful service in statements following the incident.