LDS teens die in tragic accident (Teens in crash to be mourned together)
Topeka KS Capital Journal 15Nov99 P2
By Tim Hrenchir: The Capital-Journal

TOPEKA, KANSAS -- In a tragic one-car accident, two LDS teens returning from an informal father and son campout were killed Saturday. John L. Valentine, 17, and Evan K. Landrum, 13, members of the Lake Shawnee Ward, Topeka Kansas Stake, were traveling at high speed when a car in front of them slowed to make a turn.

Valentine, who was driving, swerved and lost control of their vehicle, which hit a curb and became airborne, eventually striking a power transmission pole about 10 feet off the ground. Valentine died at the scene and Landrum died soon after arriving at a Topeka hospital.

The teenagers were neighbors and both were active in the Boy Scouts in their ward. Valentine was an 'athletic type,' according to his Bishop, Carl Gile. Bishop Gile also said that Landrum was "an exceptional person" and a leader well respected by his peers.

The two teens will share a funeral Wednesday at their LDS Ward chapel.