Spurgeon College Student Dies During Missions Training Program

Benjamin Speidel, a 20-year-old incoming student at Spurgeon College in Kansas City, Missouri, died on Saturday while participating in an intensive missions training program. The student collapsed during a hike at Wyandotte County Lake and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. While his family stated that he suffered a cardiac arrest, the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office reported that the official cause of death is still pending, though they noted that no foul play is suspected.

Speidel was involved in the Fusion missionary training program, a boot-camp-style preparation for new students. Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Jason K. Allen expressed condolences to the family and the campus community, noting that counseling services have been made available to those affected by the tragedy. Speidel was an active member of Lenexa Baptist Church, where leadership remembered him for his commitment to Christ and his desire to serve in missions.