The Church of Jesusly Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the sudden passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett on May 11, 2026.
Elder Bassett, a General Authority Seventy who had been serving since April 2016, died as a result of a traumatic brain injury. He was in St. George, Utah, with his family when the incident occurred.
At the time of his death, Elder Bassett served as the Executive Director of the Missionary Department, where he oversaw missionary efforts across the world. His tenure in this role took place during a period of historic growth and unprecedented levels of missionaries choosing to serve.
During a recent devotional for missionaries at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, Elder Bassett shared a testimony and encouraged missionaries to invite everyone to enter the gate that leads to eternal life.
The Church stated that Elder Bassett will be remembered for his faith and dedicated service. The organization expressed that prayers are with his wife, Angela, as well as his children and grandchildren.
