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Senior missionary dies from COVID-19 complications
Apr 19, 2020, 4:49 PM
(Courtesy: Pace family, via Church Newsroom)
A senior missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died Saturday after a recent diagnosis of COVID-19. Elder Allen Dee Pace, 68, had been serving in Michigan, Detroit, mission since December 2019.
Pace became ill in mid-March, when he was moved to a nearby state to be cared for his by wife and daughter. He was officially diagnosed with COVID-19 at the beginning of April.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Elder Pace as they mourn his passing,” Daniel Woodruff, Church spokesman, said in a statement. “We continue to pray for all who are impacted by this pandemic.”
Pace and his wife, Sister Nedra Pace, were not formally released from missionary service prior to his death.
The church announced the news Sunday, the same day two more COVID-related deaths were recorded in Utah — bringing the total to 27. That makes it the sixth straight day the state has announced new deaths from the virus — the longest streak Utah has recorded since the pandemic began.
Both deaths recorded Sunday were patients over the age of 85 and were hospitalized at the time of their deaths. However, the Utah Department reports they both had underlying medical conditions.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Resources for more information:
LOCAL:
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention