FAIRFIELD, Idaho -- Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Idaho serve their church all over the world, and this week the family of a young man from Fairfield, Idaho learned he wouldn't be coming home.
Twenty-year-old Derek Walker was killed Tuesday when he was hit by a car while riding his bike with two other missionaries.
The accident happened in Donna, Texas -- just a few miles north of the Mexico border.
Fairfield is described by its residents as a small, quiet community.
Those who have lived here for years, like Randy Jewett, Camas High School's athletic director, say Wednesday was especially quiet.
“I've been here for years and I've never seen this place so quiet,” said Jewett.
News spread fast that Walker was not returning home.
“I'd have to say this morning, today, it's been tough around here,” said Jewett.
Tuesday evening in south Texas, Walker and two other missionaries were struck by a car while riding their bikes. Walker and a missionary from Utah died. A third missionary from Alabama was injured and released from the hospital Wednesday morning.
The driver of the car fled the scene, but later turned himself in.
“He was the perfect athlete. The kid loved playing sports, loved being here,” said Jewett, who coached Walker’s football team.
Jewett has turned his classroom into a make shift memorial for Derek, with team photos and his senior jersey.
Mike Owsley, who is serving as the family spokesperson, says the loss is being felt throughout Fairfield.
“This is going to be hard for a small town like this, it leaves a big hole,” said Owsley.
Jewett says Walker will leave a legacy.
“He was a great role model, even for us adults. He totally put his heart and soul into what he was doing," said Owsley. "In Texas I was able to keep track of what he was doing, he was putting in more than a hundred percent, so that's going to go with me for years."
Funeral arrangements for Walker have not yet been made.
The driver that struck Walker and the other missionaries now faces felony charges.
