an auto accident Friday afternoon. … We extend our love and prayers in behalf of their families and loved ones at this difficult time."

The Barnard family said in a statement that they are "deeply saddened by the loss of our loving daughter, sister and granddaughter. … Her loving family and all of her friends will miss her larger-than-life smile and the radiance that made her instantly lovable."

Beckstrom had been in the mission field since February. As of Saturday afternoon, she remained unresponsive, as she had been since the accident, her father said. She received multiple fractures and was not breathing well. Her parents and sister were expected to arrive in Atlanta Saturday to be with her.

Curtis Beckstrom said the accident occurred in an area with poor visibility. Emotioncould be heard in his voice as he expressed sympathy for the Barnard family and for the driver of the truck that struck the missionaries' car.

"My concern is for her companion who passed away and the driver of the truck. I feel bad for them," he said. "I feel bad for Sister Barnard and her family. I can't imagine what they're going through."

His daughter and Barnard were both "enjoying going through the area book and learning sort of the area together and having what appeared like a really, really good time. … They both had smiles on all the pics they sent," he said.

More than 85,000 full-time LDS missionaries are serving in 407 missions around the world. Generally, they are far safer than their peers, according to the