2 LDS missionaries killed in North Dakota car crash
2 LDS missionaries killed in North Dakota car crash
by: Derick Fox
Posted: Jun 5, 2024 / 11:43 AM MDT
Updated: Jun 5, 2024 / 11:48 AM MDT
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died in a fatal car crash in North Dakota, church officials confirmed.
Elder Jacob Aaron Kesler, 20, of Ely, Nev. and Elder Robert “Tommy” Gardner, 20, of Riverton were both serving in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission.
In a statement, a Church spokesperson said the two were traveling on a highway outside of Beulah, N.D., on Tuesday, June 4, when their car struck a semi-truck that was stopped in the road due to an accident. Both died at the scene of the collision.
The Church said Elder Kesler had been serving his mission since July 2022 while Elder Garnder had been serving since November 2022.
“We send our love and condolences to Elder Kesler’s and Elder Gardner’s families and their fellow missionaries in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission,” the Church said in a statement. “We pray they will each be comforted and feel peace during this tragic time as they reflect on the faithful service these young men have given to the Savior, by sharing His gospel.”
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this article as more information becomes available.
