County Coroner in Serious But Stable Condition

Jasper County Coroner and possible interim sheriff holder J.D. Love is reported to be in serious but stable condition following an accident late last week. Love was involved in a single vehicle accident along Interstate 70 in Kansas while heading to a family reunion in Denver, Colorado. Friends close to the family say the driver lost control of the rental suburban, flipping the vehicle several times. Love`s sister, Ruth Derrick, was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead on the scene. Several other relatives were also injured. Love is the next in line to become the interim sheriff of Jasper County, after Bill Pierce announced his retirement after 14 and a half years as sheriff. However, since commissioners received the notice less than 24 hours from their regular Thursday meeting, they did not accept his resignation. They will do so at the upcoming commissioners meeting this Thursday. Commissioners are expected to choose an interim sheriff, but if they don`t, that position will go to Love. Love is reported to be at a hospital in topeka undergoing treatment for injuries sustained from the accident last week. Jasper County Chief Deputy Jerry Neil is filling Love`s position until he can return back to work. Reported by: Ryan Loyd