The 9-year-old boy who died in a rollover crash Sunday morning in Southern Colorado was riding without a seatbelt, the Colorado State Patrol reported.

The boy, Christian Richardson, wasn't wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from his dad's SUV when it rolled near the town of Branson near the New Mexico state line southeast of Trinidad, said State Patrol spokesman Trooper David Hall. The patrol initially reported that all of the passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Investigators say that Richardson's father, Michael Richardson, 40, of Branson, was driving above the speed limit when he was distracted by his cell phone about 7:45 a.m.

The tragedy underscores the life-saving importance of wearing seat belts and avoiding distractions while driving, Hall said.

"You don't know what you have to say and show to people to get them to understand how real and serious an issue this is," he said. "I mean you put a 9-year-old child in a car without a seatbelt on and then get distracted by your cell phone, things like that can only lead to tragedy."

A bill moving through the Colorado legislature would allow drivers 18 and older to use a cell phone only if it is equipped with a hands-free accessory. The legislation, House Bill 1094, which would take effect this year, would ban cell phone use by drivers 17 and younger.

Richardson was driving north on Colorado 389 in a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban with his three sons when the accident occurred about 6.5 miles north of Branson.

Investigators said Richardson ran off the right side of the road as he reached for his phone.

The SUV hit a post, crossed back over the road, ran off the left side, then rolled once before landing on its wheels in a ditch.

The boy died at the scene.

Investigators think the car was traveling well in excess of the speed limit of 65 mph, said State Patrol Master Sgt. Don Mercier.

The accident investigation is ongoing, Hall said.

Michael Richardson also was not wearing a seat belt, but was not thrown from the car. The father was hospitalized; his current condition was not immediately known.

Richardson's two other sons, Steve Ortega, 14, and Josh Richardson, 8, were wearing seat belts, Hall said.

The 14-year-old was hospitalized in serious condition.