3 Utah Missionaries Among Injured In Belgium Terror Attacks

"He seems to be in good spirits, but a little groggy post-surgery," said a family friend of one of the men.

Among the more than 250 people injured in terror attacks that swept through Belgium on Tuesday were nine Americans.

Three Mormon missionaries from Utah were escorting a French missionary to her gate at Brussels' main airport when explosions filled the air with ash.

Richard Norby, 66, was seriously injured, along with Mason Wells, 19, and Joseph Empey, 20. In total, at least 32 people were killed in the blasts at the airport and a Brussels metro station.

From left to right: Joseph Empey, Richard Norby, Mason Wells
From left to right: Joseph Empey, Richard Norby, Mason Wells
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Empey's mother told The Huffington Post on Tuesday that her son was badly wounded but recovering.

“He’s got injuries and waiting to go into surgery, but he’s doing great, and we feel really awful for so many injured,” said Amber Empey, 41. “He happens to be a lucky one and we’re pretty grateful.”

Wells is recovering from surgery after his Achilles tendon was ripped during the blast, family friend Lloyd Coleman told HuffPost.

“His parents spoke to him personally,” Coleman said. “He seems to be in good spirits, but a little groggy post-surgery.”

Six other Americans -- an Air Force pilot, his wife and four children -- were also seriously injured in the airport bombings.

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