A missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was hit by a car and killed Tuesday in the Philippine province of Negros Occidental.

Philippino missionary Elder Eugene Fontanos, 23, and his two companions were walking along a highway in the town of Valladolid, when a Toyota Innova struck all three from behind, according to the Visayan Daily Star, a Philippino newspaper.

Upon arriving at Valladolid District Hospital, Elder Fontano was pronounced dead due to severe head injuries.

LDS Church spokesman Rob Howell commented on the incident.

"We are deeply saddened anytime this happens," Howell said. "It's times like these that we rely on the gospel the most."

The companions, Elder Jared Michael Smith and Elder Rolando Terante, survived with some injuries. The two are in a Bacolod City Hospital.

The driver of the Toyota, Henry Dasal, is being held in the Valladolid jail and may be tried for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Copyright Brigham Young University 29 Feb 2008