Elder W. Mark Bassett passed away at age 59, as confirmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Bassett, who had been serving the authority as executive director since April 2016, breathed his last on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement on May 12, 2026.
The statement highlighted Bassett’s death as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
The statement reads: “Elder W. Mark Bassett passed away on May 11, 2026 as a result of a traumatic brain injury.”
He added: “He (Bassett) was with his family when the incident occurred.”
However, The Church did not mention what really happened and caused a serious brain injury.
The statement continued: “Elder Bassett will be deeply missed and always remembered for his great faith and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Church expressed its condolences to his family, adding: “Our love and prayers are with his dear wife Angela, his children and his grandchildren during this difficult time.”
Just days before his death, Bassett was addressing missionaries at a spiritual session held in Provo, Utah.
At the Utah Missionary Training Center (MTC), Bassett shared his personal faith and urged missionaries to “invite everyone to come and do everything you can to help them enter through this beautiful door that leads to eternal life.”
At the time of his death, Bassett was serving as executive director of the Missionary Department.
The department’s duties include oversight of global mission efforts, which resulted in tremendous growth.
