Senior Missionary Dies From Complications Due To COVID-19

SALT LAKE CITY — A senior missionary from Utah has died from complications related to COVID-19 while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife.

Church officials said Elder Allen Dee Pace passed away Saturday after he contracted the virus in March.

He and his wife, Sister Nedra Pace, are from Willard, Utah. They had been serving in the Michigan Detroit Mission since December 2o19.

Elder Pace became ill mid-March, and was officially diagnosed with COVID-19 in early April. He then traveled to a nearby state to be cared by his wife and daughter.

He was 68 years old.

“We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Elder Pace as they mourn his passing, and we continue to pray for all who are impacted by this pandemic,” said Church spokesperson Daniel Woodruff.

He said Elder and Sister Pace were not formally released from their missionary service before he passed.

Elder Pace was the first missionary for the Church who was reported to have died from COVID-19.

Church officials ordered thousands of international missionaries to return home beginning mid-March following the coronavirus outbreak.

An elder from Salt Lake City who had been serving in Mexico tested positive for the virus shortly after he returned home. His brother also tested positive, while his parents and another sibling started showing symptoms. Those sick family members isolated themselves away from the other members in the home.

Another elder who was serving in Mexico City tested positive for COVID-19 late March.

“The young man, who is from Guatemala, is being treated for his mild symptoms. He and his current companion are isolated away from others. In accordance with established guidelines from public health agencies, notification is taking place for all those with whom the missionary had recent contact,” said Woodruff. 

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.