Boy killed in ranch crash
 
By Matt Phinney
San Angelo Standard-Times
 
A young boy was killed and another critically injured Thursday morning on the YFZ Ranch near Eldorado when the van in which they were riding crashed into a boulder on a road on the ranch, according to news releases from Schleicher County Sheriff David Doran.

Allen Rulon Jeffs, 3, son of Isaac and Zevanda Jeffs, was pronounced dead at Schleicher County Medical Center. Richard Rulon Jeffs, 3, was airlifted to Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, where he remained in critical condition Thursday night, according to the releases.

Isaac Steed Jeffs Jr., 3, and the driver, Barbara Joy Jessop, were treated at Schleicher County Medical Center and released, according to the news release.

The driver is considered an adult, but her exact age was unclear Thursday.

According to Doran's report, the driver was traveling west on a gravel road on the property when the 1996 minivan struck a boulder on the north side of the road. The impact occurred on the right front side of the vehicle.

Doran said it was a low-impact crash, but the boys were not wearing seat belts.

Doran blamed the crash on the driver's inattentiveness. No charges will be filed, Doran said. Restraints are not required on private roads, according to the release.

According to Doran's news release, the Schleicher County Sheriff's Office received a call about 9:25 a.m. from Merrill Jessop in reference to a motor vehicle crash that occurred on the ranch.

Members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints bought the ranch near Eldorado, about 45 miles south of San Angelo, in 2004 and have since constructed dozens of buildings there. There has been no clear indication of how many members of the polygamist sect plan to move there.

The church's leader and prophet, Warren Jeffs, was arrested in August and faces sexual misconduct charges on accusations of arranging marriages between underage girls and older men.

mphinney@sastandardtimes.com or 659-8253
 
SanAngeloStandardTimes.com
Originally published October 27, 2006
 
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