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8-year-old son of IMB workers dies after fall in Thailand


CHIANGMAI, Thailand (BP)–John D. (“J.D.”) Pettit Jr., 8, son of International Mission Board workers John and Shannon Pettit, died Feb. 10 from injuries in a fall he suffered while the family was on a holiday outing in Thailand.

The Pettits, of Spartanburg, S.C., serve in southern Asia. J.D. was with his parents at a waterfall Feb. 9 when the accident happened. He was rushed to a hospital critical care unit in Thailand, where he died the next day.

“We are a family, and a tragedy such as this is felt deeply by us all,” IMB President Jerry Rankin said. “We are grateful for the Pettits and their dedication to reach a spiritually deprived area of the world. This death was the fourth among our workers’ children within the last three months. It is a reminder of how we need to pray for God’s hedge of protection around our personnel and their families, who are so vulnerable as they share the Gospel overseas.”

Pettit is survived by his parents; two sisters, Coralie, 6, and Simone, 10; and numerous relatives in the United States.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced. For more information on services, call Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors, S.C., at (864) 244-3535. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to John and Shannon Pettit c/o Don Brown, 7 Bridgewood Ave., Taylors, SC 29687.
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