Mormon missionary critically hurt in Oklahoma crash

A Mormon missionary from West Jordan is on life support following an Oklahoma accident.

Nancy Ann Vea, 19, was "critically injured [Friday] in an automobile accident," said Jessica Moody, spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in a statement.

A van that Vea was a passenger in was traveling south on the Muskogee Turnpike in Wagoner County when the driver tried to make a U-turn using the barricade turnaround about 8:30 a.m., according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

A tractor trailer behind the van hit the brakes, but a third vehicle hit the tractor trailer, causing the tractor trailer to hit the van, the OHP reports.

Vea was then ejected, according to OHP. Though the LDS church said Vea was serving the Tulsa Oklahoma Mission, the highway patrol identifies her as an Charleston, Ark. resident.

Two church members and three other missionaries were also in the vehicle. They were treated at a local hospital and are expected to fully recover, Moody said.

"We extend our love and prayers to Sister Vea's family and to all those who know her, and hope they will find comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ," Moody added.

Vea, from the Cobble Creek Stake in West Jordan, has been serving her mission since May, according to the church statement.

mmcfall@sltrib.com

Twitter: @mikeypanda