SALT LAKE CITY — An 18-year-old missionary from Utah serving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic died Wednesday morning after falling from the roof of his apartment building.

Elder Brennan Conrad, of Hyde Park, Cache County, was serving in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission at the time of the accident.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family,” said Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff. “We pray they will be comforted as they deal with this tragedy and mourn Elder Conrad’s passing."

Hyde Park Utah Stake President S. Mario Durrant, speaking on behalf of the Justin and Melanie Conrad family, described Elder Conrad — the youngest of four siblings who began his mission in August 2018 — as "a very good, bright young man."

He added that in a call with President Bret G. Smith of the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission, Elder Conrad's mission president spoke highly of the young man's faithfulness, success, obedience and language capability.

"Obviously this has been very difficult for them," President Durrant said of the family, "but this is a strong family, and I have been impressed with how they've strengthened each other and wrapped their arms around each other in their grieving."

Elder Conrad and his parents enjoyed a last tender mercy together earlier this week, since an updated Missionary Department guideline on missionaries communicating with their families back home allowed them to share a phone call on his preparation day.

"They spoke with him on Monday — it wouldn't have happened if not for the change," President Durrant said. "His parents said how grateful they were to speak with him that last time and how happy he was."