Tragic traffic accident in North Dakota claims two lives – Church News

Two full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in North Dakota died in a traffic accident on Tuesday, June 4.

Elder Jacob Aaron Kesler, 20, of Ely, Nevada, and Elder Robert “Tommy” Gardner, 20, of Riverton, Utah, both died at the scene. According to a statement from Church spokesman Sam Penrod on Wednesday, June 5, the missionaries were traveling on a highway outside Beulah, North Dakota, when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer that had stopped on the road due to an accident.

The two served in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. Elder Kesler began his missionary service in July 2022 and Elder Gardner in November 2022.

“We send our love and condolences to Elder Kesler and Elder Gardner’s families and friends, as well as to their fellow missionaries in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission,” Penrod said. “We pray that they all find comfort and peace during this tragic time as they reflect on how faithfully these young men served the Savior by proclaiming His gospel.”