The mother of a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Salem who unexpectedly died in his sleep last week addressed the tragedy in a social media post Monday night.

Jennah Martin, the mother of 21-year-old Caleb Martin, who was serving in the New Mexico Farmington Mission, said her family is “devastated” by the incident and that they do not know the cause of death.

“He was found unresponsive early Saturday morning,” she said. “All measures were used to save his life. His district brothers gave him a blessing. I hear there was a lot of peace in the room.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Martin’s death Sunday and said an autopsy is planned.

“Elder Martin, from Salem, Utah, has faithfully served since May 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow missionaries. We pray they will find comfort and strength through their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ and feel the Savior’s love as they honor Elder Martin’s life and devoted missionary service,” a church spokesperson said.

Jennah Martin said her son loved to serve and loved to make people happy. She thanked people for the “outpouring of love” and said the family appreciates offers to donate but requested people spend their time and resources helping to lift someone else.

“Go serve, go give someone a high five (or 20 someones) and go lift someone who needs it,” she said. “That’s the best form of pay we could ever ask for.”