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Bodies of Missionaries Dead in Haiti Crash Return

Posted: 7:05 PM Jan 18, 2013
Reporter: Associated Press

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- The bodies of four missionaries from the U.S. who died when their vehicle slid down a hillside in Haiti have been returned to West Michigan.

The bodies of Jim and Rita Cwengros, Matt Kutsche and Mary LaPonsie arrived Thursday at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

The four died Jan. 11 while traveling in a convoy of five vehicles with other missionaries on a medical mission to a parish in Seguin. Police say they were driving through mountains south of Port-Au-Prince when their Toyota Landcruiser crashed through a barrier and down the hillside after its brakes failed.

Their Haitian driver was hurt in the crash.

The entire group was to spend a week in Haiti, providing medical attention to villagers. Funeral arrangements are being finalized.