Sam Penrod, spokesman with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, released this statement to media on Sunday, July 23, 2023.
“A senior missionary couple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission, was involved in a serious car accident on the island of Santo, Vanuatu, on Friday, July 21, 2023, after another vehicle reportedly veered into their lane of traffic causing a head-on collision. Both Elder Richard Carver and Sister Marina Carver, of Riverton, Utah, were taken to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Port Vila. Sister Carver tragically passed away due to internal injuries on Saturday evening. Elder Carver is receiving additional medical evaluation but is expected to recover.
Elder and Sister Carver began serving in October 2022 and were assigned as member and leader support missionaries. We send our deepest condolences to Elder Carver, their children and extended family members. We pray they will be comforted with their understanding of Sister Carver’s faith in Heavenly Father’s plan for families to be together forever.”
Sister Sandra Stradley wrote in tribute on social media, “We are heartbroken by the passing of Sister Marina Carver. She is a dear friend and fellow missionary. Her and Elder Carver were perfect for this mission in every way. They had faith to trust Heavenly Father as they served with diligence, love, joy, patience, hard work, energy and wisdom. They fell in love with the beautiful people of Vanuatu and desired the very best for them. Elder Carver continues to be an example of a disciple of Jesus Christ in this very hard time. I want to follow their examples as I serve wherever I am.”