TAIWAN - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has confirmed a missionary was hit by a car and killed in Taiwan.

Elder David Hampton, 18, was riding his bike when a car hit him.

He was from North Ogden, Utah.

Elder Hampton's family sent Fox 13 this statement:

We heard early this morning that our son David, who was serving as a missionary in the Taiwan Taichung mission, had been had been hit by a car while he was riding his bike. He did not survive the accident and we are truly saddened by the event – as can be imagined we are still processing the news. However, we are thankful he was serving the Lord as a missionary. In each of his letters he expressed his pleasure to be on a mission. It was hard work but it was a blessing for him and for us. And we know it will continue to be a blessing for us. He ended every letter with the phrase he was living by - “It is not about you”, and indeed it is not. Our faith is strong that he has been taken home to that God who gave him life. We have a daughter who is still serving as a missionary in the Tahiti mission. We have spoken with her and she has also expressed her gratitude and testimony that David was serving the Lord. At this point we have not decided what she will do.

We are thankful for our family who is with us and appreciate and are strengthened by their love and prayers, and the love and prayers expressed by so many others.

At this point, we do not have any other information about the funeral or when he will be brought home. - Steve and Cyndi Hampton

Church spokesman Eric Hawkins sent Fox 13 this statement: