How do Mormons view the death (lynching) of Joseph Smith? I know certain people believe that there were some supernatural elements to it, but I’m not sure what the general consensus is regarding that.
Sorry, got busy. I kind of doubt this is what you are looking for, but this is the most supernatural thing I can think of. A man named Willard Richards was one of four prisoners present at the death of Joseph Smith, the others being Joseph himself, his brother Hyrum Smith, and John Taylor, one of the Twelve Apostles who later became leader of the church. Joseph and Hyrum were killed, and John Taylor sustained several injuries, but Willard Richards was nearly unscathed.
Here is the context of the Martyrdom:
http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Martyrdom_of_Joseph_and_Hyrum_Smith
And here is the reported prophecy:
http://scottwoodward.org/josephsmith_prophecies_willardrichards.html
However, now that I’ve read a bit on Wikipedia, it appears there are some accounts of further supernatural elements that I was not familiar with.
First (and I recall years ago hearing the basis of this different tale), a member of the mob that killed Joseph Smith and was a close witness describes a different story than that of other witnesses, wherein Joseph supposedly did not die after his fall from the Carthage jail second story window, but was then executed by firing squad. When a mobster went to decapitate him, a bright light from heaven frightened the whole mob off.
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/carthage/danielsaccount.html
I honestly am not sure I trust this source, but there is one possibility that you might be referring to.
It also appears to have been described as potentially lightning. Since I’ve not heard this before and am only quickly skimming the articles, I will try to be better informed in the near future, but here is a source as well:
http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/carthage/carthageaccount.html
Let me know if this answers your question.
And I have done some reading recently about the tea/coffee/hot Dr. Pepper discussion, and I will attempt to address it in the near future when I’ve got the chance.