Tragic accident claims two missionaries’ lives in North Dakota

The following statement was released on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, by Sam Penrod, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, two missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission tragically lost their lives as a result of a traffic accident.

Elder Jacob Aaron Kesler, 20, of Ely, Nevada, and Elder Robert “Tommy” Gardner, 20, of Riverton, Utah, both died at the scene. The missionaries were traveling on a highway outside Beulah, North Dakota, when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer that had broken down on the road due to an accident.

Elder Kesler began serving in July 2022 and Elder Gardner began serving in November 2022. We send our love and condolences to the families and friends of Elder Kesler and Elder Gardner, as well as their fellow missionaries in the North Dakota Bismarck Mission. We pray that they all find comfort and peace during this tragic time as they reflect on the faithful service these young men gave to the Savior in proclaiming His gospel.