Date:
10/7/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Garet Ervin
PORTALES — The family of Rolland Ellsworth Jr.(Rojo), an 18-year-old freshman on the Eastern New Mexico University rodeo team who was killed in a bullriding accident at Sul Ross State University on Thursday, Oct. 2, has asked Eastern to share their memories of him.
Rojo is survived by his father, Rolland Ellsworth, mother, Ella, and younger brothers, Dallas Ryan, 16, Olin Jay, 14, and Nolan Ryan, 12, as well as his aunt, Nettie Lee.
"We know it wasn't an accident, we know it wasn't a freak accident, we know it was the calling of the lord, the heavenly father calling him back because he takes the best of champs," said his father.
"He was a good brother; he taught me how to play the guitar and answered a lot of my questions," said Olin Jay. "I can't say enough about him," he added.
The Rolland family says that Rojo lived life with no regrets, was always happy, and believed that making plans ruined everything.
"Everything was last minute for him, but it always worked out," said Olin Jay.