Dubuque student killed in earthquake in Haiti

Ben Larson of La Crosse, Wis., a student at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, died in the Haiti earthquake, the seminary's president said today.

Larson and his wife, Renee Splichal Larson, also a student at the seminary, were working in Haiti during the January term, according to Duane Larson, president of the seminary.

Ben Larson's first cousin, Jon Larson, and Renee Larson were not injured in the earthquake and are to return home as soon as possible, he said. Also, intern Sara Thomson was not injured, he said.

At the time of the earthquake, he said, “it appears they were ministering in different places.”

According to Associated Press reports out of Duluth, Minn., Larson is the son of two Lutheran pastors from Duluth.

In a statement on the First Lutheran Church of Duluth Web site, his parents say they learned Thursday he died in the collapse of a guest house.

However, Rafael Malpica of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Global Mission Unit says Larson's death has not been confirmed. He says the building is in such bad shape that people can't get in.

His parents are the Rev. April Ulring Larson, senior pastor at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, and the Rev. Judd Larson, interim pastor at Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran will hold a service Thursday evening for everyone affected by the quake.

Wartburg Theological Seminary is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and offers training in ministries and mission work.

“We pray for Ben, Jon, Renee, Sara, their parents and families, and wide, wide circle of friends, as we pray for the innumerable many in Haiti who suffer at this time,” Duane Larson said in an e-mail last night. “Above all, we trust in God, who laid the foundations of the Earth, who is on our side, though seas roar and mountains tremble.”

Message from President Duane Larson

I am so sorry to have to share this news. I have just spoken with Benjamin Larson's mother, April. It is believed now that Ben has been killed in the Haiti quake. Both Jonathan Larson and Renee Splichal Larson are together safely. They were in the same building as Ben when the quake hit. They made it out, eventually found each other, then returned to St. Joseph Guest House in the attempt to rescue Ben, to no avail.

We understand that Renee and Jonathan will return to the U.S. this week.

We so grieve with his parents, April and Judd; for Renee's loss of her husband; Jonathan's loss of a dear cousin, for our loss of a beautiful friend. Ben's baptismal light burned so brightly in our community and for all who came to know him. We grieve the loss of so clear a proclamation, with eyes twinkling, of Christ's love, compassion, and humor.

I will keep you informed as we learn more. And we continue to pray. With Ben we claim that the Lord of hosts is with us. Would that the Lord "satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love" (Ps. 90).

May Christ's peace be with us,

Duane Larson