High-ranking Mormon leader M. Russell Ballard dies at age 95. He was second-in-line to lead faith

By MEAD GRUVER and BRADY McCOMBS
Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — One of the highest ranking leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died. M. Russell Ballard was 95. Ballard was acting president of a top governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church’s second-highest leadership body. He was second in line to the church presidency. A church statement says Ballard died Sunday surrounded by family at his home. Ballard had been a member of the Quorum since 1985. He was the quorum’s acting president since 2018. He is survived by his seven children, 43 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.