(Donna, TX) - Texas authorities have arrested Jose Luis Garza, 32, a Mexican National living in Weslaco, Texas, in connection with the death of two LDS missionaries killed while riding their bicycles in Donna, Texas, on Tuesday evening in what authorities describe as a hit-and-run accident.

Trooper Johnny Hernandez said the driver of the car involved in the accident faces a felony charge for failure to stop and render aid. Garza and two passengers fled the scene.

"Especially when you cause a fatal accident, or injuries, you need to stay at the location," Hernandez said.

Garza was arrested on two counts for accident causing injury or death with a $50,000 bond on each totaling $100,000. The two passengers who were in the car have been questioned and released, according to police reports.

Garza reportedly told authorities that he was having problems with his headlamps (headlights), which kept flickering on and off. The police report shows that Garza admitted he and his passengers ran because they were scared.

Elder Trevor Reinhold Strong, 21, of Taylorsville, Utah, and Elder Derek Jason Walker, 20, of Fairfield, Idaho died in the crash. Elder Zachary Todd Harris, 19, of Huntsville, Alabama, was taken to Knapp Medical Center where he was treated and released Wednesday.

Elder Strong was scheduled to be released from his two-year mission last week but had asked to extend his mission an additional three-weeks.

Trooper Hernandez said the missionaries were riding northbound on Midway South Road, which is not too far from major roadway Business Highway 83, when a vehicle traveling southbound hit all three on bikes head-on.

Scott Trotter, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of Elder Strong, Elder Walker and Elder Harris. "We pray that the Lord will comfort and watch over them during this difficult time." LDS Church Statement

Donna, with a population of 15,798 (2010 Census), is located fourteen miles southeast of McAllen in the Rio Grand Valley of Hildago County.

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