Latter-day Saint Youth Drowns in Swimming Accident

17-year-old Auckland youth, Peter (Paulo) Iakopo Lemalu, passed away on Saturday 19 March after a swimming accident.

Elder Kevin W. Pearson, Pacific Area president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Paulo Iakapo’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iakapo family during this time of mourning. We pray that the Lord’s blessings of comfort and peace will rest upon Paulo’s family and friends.”

Early media reports stated incorrectly that the young man was attending a church camp when he died. He was in fact swimming with a group of friends.

Read Previous Article  Church Leaders Congratulate New President of Kiribati Read Next Article Mormon Missionaries Help Rebuild Catholic School After Fiji Cyclone

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.