He was a legend ...
Elder J. Golden Kimball was without a doubt the most colorful of Church General Authorities ever.
His startling language and straight-forward approach has led to many a great story and a fleet of books.
However, few seem to know what ever happened to J. Golden.
He actually died in a traffic accident on Sept. 2, 1938, 35 miles east of Reno, Nev.
Elder Kimball, 85, had been visiting his daughter, who lived in Reno, and was returning.
Kimball's son-in-law was driving the vehicle and lost control when he approached a detour sign.
Some others in the vehicle had broken bones, but Elder Kimball was the only casualty.
In that era, ambulances didn't run.
It was a passing Greyhound bus that transported the injured to a Reno hospital.
However, Kimball's body was left at the 6:15 a.m. accident scene until early afternoon, pending an investigation.
The First Presidency of the Church stated on the day of his passing:
"We are deeply shocked with the tragic passing of President J. Golden Kimball. He was a straight-talking, stalwart defender of the Gospel. He did valiant work. He will be greatly missed. We mourn with the family in their heavy loss."
NOTE: This article and all of the NighUntoKolob blog are NOT an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
