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Tragic Death of Young Missionary Shocks Church Community

1/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Caleb Gene Martin, a 21-year-old missionary from Salem, Utah, died in his sleep on January 3, 2026, while serving in the Church's New Mexico Farmington Mission.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Martin had been on his mission since May 2024.
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod expressed condolences to Martin's family and fellow missionaries, noting the church has over 84,000 missionaries and plans to increase to 506 by July.

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Story summary

Caleb Gene Martin, a 21-year-old missionary from Salem, Utah, died in his sleep on January 3, 2026, while serving in the Church's New Mexico Farmington Mission.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death.
Martin had been on his mission since May 2024.
Church spokesperson Sam Penrod expressed condolences to Martin's family and fellow missionaries, noting the church has over 84,000 missionaries and plans to increase to 506 by July.