William Tenney Angilau Jr. was just a month away from coming home.

The 21-year-old missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Salt Lake City had been serving in the Washington Seattle Mission, when he was struck by an SUV while riding his bicycle across a road Thursday.

On Friday, his family made the painful decision to take him off life support, a family friend told the Deseret Morning News.

"They understand that he's serving the Lord and if the Lord needs him, they're willing to accept that," said Tracy L. Branch, the president of the Salt Lake City Pioneer Stake, where Angilau attended. "There's no bitter feelings towards anyone or anything."

King County Sheriff's deputies said Angilau had been riding with his companion on SE 208th Street near Kent, Wash., when both men decided to cross the multi-lane road. His companion made it across, but Angilau was hit by a Ford Explorer that was unable to avoid him, police said.

Both bicyclists were wearing their helmets. King County Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said the driver was not cited.

"We're still investigating it, although it doesn't look like it's his fault," he said Friday.

Angilau was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. Branch said Angilau's family were able to fly to Washington so they could be with him when he passed away. Angilau's father is the bishop of the ward.

"A very humble family willing to serve the Lord in any way possible," Branch said. "They take this as a continuation of his mission."

On Friday, the LDS Church issued a statement expressing sympathy to Angilau's family.

"Our hearts are deeply saddened and our sympathy and prayers go out to Elder Angilau's parents, family members and friends at this difficult time," LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter said in a statement Friday. "We pray that the spirit of the Lord will bring comfort, peace and healing to all of those involved."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com