Steve Jelf in bad accident

[George N Lake Ozark]

My sister is trying to help by searching for relatives Don’t know how my sis found out. If anyone knows any of his relatives please let me know

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

Oh no. Can anyone confirm this?

[Joe Reid]

George, he has a brother Mike Jelf who I believe lives in Texas and he has cousins in Parkerfield, KS. His mothers family name is Parker.

[pete eastwood]

Facebook says he is in Ft Wayne Lutheran Hospital.
Story says he was t-boned & ejected from his T

[Retro54]

This was posted on Facebook a few minutes ago. I have no way of verifying its accuracy, but thought sharing this might help.

Andy

[Bryce S.]

This is terrible news! I hope he turns out alright.

[JBog]

[DHort]

We are all thinking of you Steve. I want to hear you are on the mend, soon.

[Wayne Sheldon]

No-no-no-no-NO!

HOPING for the best!!!

[Mark Gregush]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Fordmod ... 5847215548

[Kaiser]

Oh crap, that is not the update you want to get !
My thoughts are with him

[JohnM]

Oh sh** !!!

[Dallas Landers]

I am going to Ft. Wayne today. I will try and find Steve if they will let me.

[JohnM]

Thank you Dallas!!

[Henry K. Lee]

This is not what I wanted to wake up to! Thoughts and Prayers Steve!

Hank

[Tadpole]

Godspeed Mr. Jelf, you have a lot of friends praying for you.

[Atomic Amish]

I called him about 0100 when my wife woke me up to tell me. Left him a voicemail, so hopefully he can call back soon.

I have two tire tubes he sent to our house to be picked up when he got here...

Fingers crossed and good vibes sent!

jason

[Brent Mize]

Sending positive thoughts your way,Steve!
So sorry to hear of your accident my friend.

[PeterN]

So sorry to hear this. Prayers to you Steve for a speedy recovery.

[Professor Fate]

Devastating to learn of Steve's accident. Praying for comfort, good news, and for speedy healing and recovery. Best wishes friend!

BTTT

[Dallas Landers]

I have located Steve. They cant give info on his condition but I can see him. Will let you know later today after I see him.

[WayneJ]

Dallas, I think everyone appreciates you being there for Steve.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Praying for Steve. May God give him comfort and healing.

[perry kete]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Steve and I am hoping you have a speedy recovery.

[Bill Anziani]

Prayers for a speedy recovery. Wish you the very best

[tdump]

I sure hope he gets better,this is sad, thanks to all that are trying to help.

[jiminbartow]

First word that comes to mind, “Bummer!”. Get well soon Steve. Contact the Forum as soon as you can to let us know you are alright. Everyone else, drive on the defense. There are some terrible drivers out there that would rather text, talk on the phone, read the newspaper adjust the radio, search for a CD to listen to, yell at the kids, or watch TV, instead of paying attention to driving their car in a safe manner and this is doubly so when there is a Model T sharing the road. For this reason, I no longer drive my Model T on the open road. I only drive in the quiet neighborhood streets around my home. Jim Patrick

[1925 Touring]

Oh no!
I hope he will be ok!

[TWrenn]

Thanks Dallas. Give him our love and prayers. Hope he'll be okay.

[CudaMan]

Seen on Facebook:

Selah Wayseer

An update on Steve:
Although I'm not a relative, his nurse mentioned me to him when he was somewhat awake and he told her to put me on his authorization list. He said, "Tell her whatever she wants to know."

So Steve's X-rays have come out good, sans a broken jaw and one fractured eye orb. There is a "slight brain bleed" that they're watching. Ongoing/regular CT scans will be conducted to observe any changes.

If anyone (eighty-something) that can overcome this event, it's Steve. And altho my heart weeps from this whole thing, I am heartened that this tough, old bloke (who chops his own firewood and lives off his land) can soldier on.

Damn it, Steve, don't make a liar out of me! You're as tough as that cast-iron-frying-pan-on-four-wheels!!

I'll update tomorrow. Send him your Love.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

This sounds encouraging, (the message above from Mark Strange that is). Thank you!

[Norman Kling]

I am so sorry to read about this. Steve I hope you are well enough to come to the San Diego National tour next year. I have met you before and consider you a true friend. Please get well soon. We will be praying for you.
Norm

[Rich P. Bingham]

Thanks to all who can provide details and updates. Very much appreciated by those of us too far away to be there or help. Praying for Steve, and all who care. He is the "padrino" of all who love Model Ts, very sad news indeed.

[Model T Mark]

Dang, hope Steve gets well soon. I don’t know him well but supplied a part a few years ago when he was on his way to the OCF. I’m about an hour north of Ft Wayne and know the area well. Don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be of any help. Scary thing is this could be anyone of us. Be careful out there. The Eyre’s.

[John Codman]

Not the news that I wanted to hear. I hope that Steve has as speedy a recovery as possible. I have never met Steve, but through this forum I consider him to be a friend.

[TMiller6]

Steve Jelf has provided inspiration to my grandson who I hope will inherit my cars someday.

Steve, you’re in my prayers, get well.

[TFan]

I've met Steve several times over the years on my trips to Hershey quite a fella. Anything to help him out if I can, I would. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and back in the saddle again. Any word on his car, is it secured in a safe area? Jim

[Mopar_man]

Horrible news. I love his attitude of life in general and T's especially. Steve you are the type that can do anything and this will be no different.

[Atomic Amish]

My wife just gave me an update.

She has been in contact with the daughter and mother who were there and witnessed the accident and ended up going to Fort Wayne to be at the hospital with him. The thing they need most is a next of kin- so if anyone knows anyone related please reach out and we'll get you in touch with her.

Dave H from Wisconsin is just about there now, I just got off the phone with him.

Fingers crossed and good vibes out!

jason

[CudaMan]

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Steve if anyone is interested.

https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=steve+jelf

[MWalker]

If you want to donate to the GoFundMe account, click on the link in CudaMan's post, then click on the pic of Steve. It took me quite a while to figure that out.

[kevinf]

Thank you to all that are helping our. I feel like Rich, just too far to help out, so we send our thoughts and prayers.
Steve is a true ambassador for all of us that enjoy this hobby.
God speed Steve, God speed
Kevin

[modeltspaz]

Thank you, Manny, for starting this Go Fund Me for Steve. We've all got to help Steve "Mr. Thrify" out here.
I figured that this was the best way to do it from So. Cal. where I'm at.
My positive thoughts are with you. As was said above, if anyone could bounce back from something like this, Steve can.
I just hope that the worst thing that comes out of this is a few bumps, a bent up T, and a missed trip to the OCF. All of which can be overcome.

[Harvey Bergstrom]

So very sorry to hear of this news Steve. We have not met yet, but believe we were on the Manhattan tour with many others. We pray God gives you comfort & grants you a speedy recovery. Please know God loves you & so do all your Model T friends. Our best wishes & prayers for you Steve.

[Mark Chaffin]

Thoughts and prayers for Steve

[DHort]

Dallas is here in the hospital, and a minister is here. We will keep an eye on him and take care of his car and belongings. Steve is stable for now. Thank you to all for your concerns.

[Oldav8tor]

Damn! Joan and I have donated to the go-fund-me and urge others to do so. Thanks, Dallas, for looking after our friend.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Dallas is here in the hospital, and a minister is here. We will keep an eye on him and take care of his car and belongings. Steve is stable for now. Thank you to all for your concerns.

Thank you Dave. How wonderful that you and others are there for Steve. There are some very special people in this hobby. As I've said, it ain't all about the cars...

[jiminbartow]

Anyone who knows where he lives and are close enough to go to his house, go by and see what you can do to help. If he has pets or animals they will need to be fed and watered. Check with his neighbors. They may not know what happened and are in the best position to do what needs to be done around the house until he is well enough to come home. Of course if he is married or has kids, they will be the best ones to help, but I don’t know his personal circumstances. Some men go through life, never marrying or having kids, preferring to remain alone, most content with their own company.

[CudaMan]

According to his blog, Steve had made arrangements with neighbors before he left for his trip regarding the care of his dog and cat. They'll just have to pet-sit a little longer than originally planned.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Dammit. This is all just awful. I really hope he is okay and doesn't come out of this with lasting damage.

Hopefully his car can be saved too. I just hate this stuff...T'ers getting hit by people not paying attention is a little sobering.

A friend sent me this, looks like his Roadster is a bit worse for wear

received_1640329209821481.jpeg (42.91 KiB) Viewed 44053 times

[Rich Eagle]

Steve has taken us along with him on his many adventures and shared the wonders of Model Ts with us. We are so much richer for his generosity and his exploits. I'm sure he will tackle this challenge with his usual dauntless courage and energy. Sadly, he has found one of the pitfalls we all are at risk for.
We're all pulling for you Steve.
Rich and Joy Eagle.

[mtntee20]

Steve has given the world to us all. It's time to pay it back. Those of us who have parts piles, it would be nice if we all could dig out parts for a 15 roadster and hold on to them for Steve. This is assuming he will/can rebuild the old girl. Steve is TOUGH but Ts are tougher. Both get banged up and come back fighting.

Good Luck Steve. May god be at your side throughout all the healing. Get Well Soon!

Terry & Sharon

[1925 Touring]

Its hard to look at his car and think that he was in there. Its a good thing, I guess, that he was thrown clear otherwise he would have been pinned under the car.
I hope he will be alright. I reallt enjoy reading the fourms and his updates when he goes to OCF. While i have never met him, I consider him a friend.
Does anyone know what the cause of the accident was? I hope it wasn't some IDIOT on their blasted phone.
I hope he will he alright.
God's speed Mr. Jelf! I hope you know that we are all thinking of you!
Austin Farmer
Young Model T'er

[ClaytonPaddison]

Also just got these from a friend involved in this. It looks pretty battered. Steve is a lucky guy, could have been way worse...

As Rich said, Steve is a tough bird. I bet this thing will be resurrected.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Its hard to look at his car and think that he was in there. Its a good thing, I guess, that he was thrown clear otherwise he would have been pinned under the car.
I hope he will be alright. I reallt enjoy reading the fourms and his updates when he goes to OCF. While i have never met him, I consider him a friend.
Does anyone know what the cause of the accident was? I hope it wasn't some IDIOT on their blasted phone.
I hope he will he alright.
God's speed Mr. Jelf! I hope you know that we are all thinking of you!
Austin Farmer
Young Model T'er

According to reports, He was turning left on a green arrow and someone ran the light.

Someone at the intersection has video, they were filming his car because they never saw one before and caught the whole thing.

[1925 Touring]

According to reports, He was turning left on a green arrow and someone ran the light.

Someone at the intersection has video, they were filming his car because they never saw one before and caught the whole thing.

Oh my ....
For what its worth, thank you Mr. Paddison.
Its heartbreaking to see the car and know what happened to Steve.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

That's hard to look at...

[BobD]

My prayers and healing thoughts go out to Steve. He has certainly been an inspiration to me and others in the hobby.

[TXGOAT2]

Not to minimize Steve's injuries, but it could have been a lot worse. I wish him God's blessings and a full recovery.

[ClaytonPaddison]

According to reports, He was turning left on a green arrow and someone ran the light.

Someone at the intersection has video, they were filming his car because they never saw one before and caught the whole thing.

Oh my ....
For what its worth, thank you Mr. Paddison.
Its heartbreaking to see the car and know what happened to Steve.

Yeah, looks like they were heading the opposite direction (on coming traffic) and they hit him in the RH front fender/wheel.

It is really heartbreaking to look at.

[Sean Butler]

Thoughts coming from my way too, Steve. Stay Strong.

[TXGOAT2]

Let's all not forget that driving a motor vehicle, any motor vehicle, is a life and death activity. Other motorists, kids, motorcyclists and ordinary folks crossing the road are all vulnerable. Somebody plowed an SUV into a restaurant in Texas in the last several days, injuring 20 or more people inside. Driving is a major responsibility.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Not to minimize Steve's injuries, but it could have been a lot worse. I wish him God's blessings and a full recovery.

I don't think that minimizes them at all. you are 100% correct, it could have been WAY worse in any number of ways. We have had a few too many of those in recent years. Hoping he has a full recovery too, as well as the Roadster... and that he keeps making these trips.

That would be the greatest tragedy. His road trips inspire me (and many of us) to do the same. This is of course sobering, but I still would.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Let's all not forget that driving a motor vehicle, any motor vehicle, is a life and death activity. Other motorists, kids, motorcyclists and ordinary folks crossing the road are all vulnerable. Somebody plowed an SUV into a restaurant in Texas in the last several days, injuring 20 or more people inside. Driving is a major responsibility.

Agreed, and most of us out there on the road will probably never have an issue, but there is that threat for sure.

[modeltspaz]

Are there any updates on Steve's condition, contacting relatives, and arrangements to move his T back to Kansas? I know it's still a recent occurrence, but I'm just concerned, as everyone else is.

Please donate to Steve's Gofundme page. Here's going to need it! To reiterate, dig through your pile of parts. I know that once Steve is up and around, he's going to want to get that Roadster back on the road.

Thank you, Clayton, for keeping us up to date.

Mike "Modeltspaz" Spaziano.

[Bryant]

This is tough to hear. My family is praying.

[Moxie26]

Where is the link for Steve's GoFundMe page?

[1925 Touring]

Where is the link for Steve's GoFundMe page?

https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=steve+jelf
Click on the image and follow the prompts when you are there.

[George House]

GoFundMe link is on this thread. See CudaMan post Sept 8.

[Moxie26]

Thanks Austin and George, the information just needed to be repeated

[Dave Young]

There is a Go Fund Me page on Facebook.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Any new updates, or are things pretty much unchanged?

[CudaMan]

Latest update from his Facebook page:

Here's the update on Steve:

Multiple CT scans overnight and into today have shown no progression of the brain bleed - but it's not changed, either.
A CT scan of his broken jaw and eye orb will be made soon.
He's on heavy pain meds, as you would guess, but when he's awake, he does respond to commands to moving body parts.
However, he's very confused as to what year it is and how he ended up where he is.
He's had two people visit this AM, one who drove all the way from the Greenfield Village event as soon as he got the news.
Steve, we're all pulling for you. You have a real fight on your hands.

Love you,
Molly Marsh ❤

[George House]

Thanks for the update Mark….prayers still being sent up from the House house for Steve’s recovery.

[1925 Touring]

Thank you for the update. Any idea how concerned the doctors are with that brain bleed? I know it's probably too soon to tell.
Were all wishing you well Steve!

[tiredfarmer]

When I first read about Steve I thought it was a sick joke, but no it did happen. I see Steve at Chickasha and I hope to see him next year. It hurts to see Steve's Roadster in that condition and hope he can get it repaired. I'm praying for you to get well quickly.

[George Mills]

Steve has mentioned in the past that he has a younger brother named Mikey...I imagine it is Michael Jelf.

I also imagine living somewhere in California but don't know why I say that? Steve was from the LA area before he packed up and went back to the farm in Kansas to find a new life on his Grandparents farm after they passed.

I'm not so good at snooping online, too many rabbit holes, but maybe someone else is and that's a start to finding his kin?

[John kuehn]

All I can say this really makes me think about drivers on our roads. Whether it’s in an antique car or a 2023 vehicle you have to watch out for the other people on the road. You can’t always depend the other drivers are watching close enough. I sure hope that’s Steve’s OK. Prayers go out to him.

[Tony_H]

So sad to hear this. Best wishes to Steve for a safe recovery on behalf of Model T Owners of Queensland. Australia. Many of us follow his posts.

[GEmering]

Steve,
Praying for your speedy recovery.

Gene

[modeltspaz]

There is a Michael Jelf listed living in Lomita, CA. Steve lived in Lomita before he moved back to Kansas.

There are several people here on the forum that live in Lomita and surrounding towns. Maybe someone can pay him a visit. I'm reluctant to post addresses here on the forum of people that I don't have permission to do.

Contact me off the forum, or do what I did. Do a search for Michael Jelf, California. All the information is there.

[1925 Touring]

My sister is trying to help by searching for relatives Don’t know how my sis found out. If anyone knows any of his relatives please let me know

Sent you a P.M.

[1925 Touring]

There is a Michael Jelf listed living in Lomita, CA. Steve lived in Lomita before he moved back to Kansas.

There are several people here on the forum that live in Lomita and surrounding towns. Maybe someone can pay him a visit. I'm reluctant to post addresses here on the forum of people that I don't have permission to do.

Contact me off the forum, or do what I did. Do a search for Michael Jelf, California. All the information is there.

I sent the original poster a p.m. about the same person. ( i presume.)

[dobro1956]

Praying for Steve' full recovery. Not much more to say. Get well Steve.

[Oldav8tor]

Some folks may already be at the OCF and unaware of Steve's accident. Those of you who are going to be at OCF please pass the word.

I've told many people that one common characteristic of Model T people is that we take care of each other. The many well-wishers, Go-Fund-Me donations along with those going the extra mile to visit him and help out are ample proof of that. I'm proud to count myself among you.

[Dallas Landers]

I cant say much more than has been said about Steve's condition. I will be going to see him again tomorrow and update his progress.

As for the 15, it is inside my barn and safe with all his belongings. I have some things to take to him tomorrow. The car can stay here as long as needed. As for its condition, its bad. Not much on it that will not need major work. The engine is sitting at about a 15 degree angle due to frame being bent badly. Front axle is also. Body is in many pieces. I dont want to post pics until I ask Steve if its ok with him.

Prayers for Steves recovery. Thanks to Dave and Brent Allen for helping figure out where the car was located. Brent helped load it at the tow yard.

While typing this Steves cousin in Texas called and several family members are aware of the event with Steve.

[Henry K. Lee]

Dallas.., You are a gem! Thanks for the updates and most of all, you being you!

Hank

[Joe Reid]

Thank you for the update Dallas, are prayers are for Steve.

[tdump]

Head injury's can be unpredictable. up to 7 days for a brain cell to go out.Making early predication's on condition hard to pin down.
That other car musta been flying!
That is generous of you Dallas to take in his car and such for safe keeping.
Times like this remind of the good people in this hobby.
Far as I know, this is the first time I ever donated to a go fund me page.
Situations like this have alot of incidental cost, just getting his car back to his house will be 100's in fuel cost alone. Not to mention medical bills.

[RustyRim]

for those that are not aware. this is Steve's blog. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG15.html

[Charlie B in N.J.]

Why is it asking me about future payments to go fund me? I’m hesitating.

[ClaytonPaddison]

Will be watching for updates tomorrow for sure. Good on you Dalles for securing the car and helping to be his advocate when he obviously needed one.

I will also attest to solid T community ans watching out for each other.

My donation has been made to help out.

[jiminbartow]

Let’s hope he will be back to doing what he loves to do. Hang tough, Steve. Jim Patrick

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[1925 Touring]

The thing that has me woried the most is the brain bleed. You can "recover" from the injuries and then slip backwards and it can lead to worse things. His memorry may never be 100% again. It can kind of be like a stroke. Im no doctor or anything, but I know anything near the brain is risky no matter your age.
It was mentioned that it is a "small brain bleed" earlier. Does anyone know any more about the it?
Lets hope that the injuries are not going to alter him too much. Maybe to the people who live around the area can check in on him when he is back home again, God willing! I wish I was closer and could do more to help!
Its amazing what the Model T community can do!
Hang in there Steve!
Goodnight all.
Austin Farmer
Young Model T'er

[ThreePedalTapDancer]

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[Mark Gregush]

The mind can be a wonderful thing sometimes. I was in a very similar situation riding a motorcycle in 1985. To this day I don't know what happened, it is completely blocked out. I hope the same for Steve.
I hope it is a steady recovery even if it will be slow, because recovery from things like this take time, lots of time. We also need to remember to be there later while he is recovering.

[JTT3]

Steve just happen to know where there’s a 15 roadster project that when the time is right it may be available. Once you’re ready you got to get back on the horse. Get better my friend .

[havnfun]

I just found about about Steve, May the Lord give him a speedy recovery. Steve, you’re in my thoughts and prayers.

[KirkieP]

Steve
Rest and get well soon.
Praying for you.