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| Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy and executive director of the Church's Missionary Department, speaks during a devotional held at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. |
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the sudden passing of Elder W. Mark Bassett, a General Authority Seventy, who died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 59.
In an official statement released by the Church, leaders expressed deep sadness over the unexpected loss of a devoted servant and beloved colleague.
A Life of Dedicated Service
Elder Bassett was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on April 2, 2016. Throughout his decade of service in this capacity, he was known for his steady leadership, deep faith, and kind demeanor. His assignments took him across the globe, where he worked closely with local congregations and leadership to strengthen the mission of the Church.
Before his call to the Seventy, Elder Bassett served in numerous capacities, including:
- President of the Arizona Mesa Mission (2007–2010)
- Area Seventy
- Stake President and High Councilor
- Full-time Missionary in the Guatemala City Mission
Background and Family
Born on August 14, 1966, in Carmichael, California, William Mark Bassett built a professional career in the wholesale auto auction industry. He served as the controller at Brasher’s Sacramento Auto Auction and held various executive positions within the industry before dedicating his life to full-time church service.
He is survived by his wife, Angela Brasher, whom he married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1989, and their five children and several grandchildren.
Tributes and Legacy
"Elder Bassett was a man of remarkable integrity and a true disciple of Jesus Christ," the Church Newsroom noted. "His influence on those he served was profound, marked by a genuine love for the people and a tireless commitment to the Gospel."
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Church has requested that the privacy of the Bassett family be respected during this difficult time of mourning.
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