County Prosecutors to Decide on Wrongway Driver Crash Injuring Chesterfield Pair

Prosecutors were expected to decide whether to file charges in an investigation over a car crash Friday that critically injured a Whitfield School teacher and her 16-year-old son on Wildhorse Creek Road in Chesterfield.

 residents Janet Esrock, a teacher, and her son Jonathan Esrock, a Whitfield School sophomore, were headed toward home from a football game when according to family members, they rounded a curve and were met head-on by another car in their lane.

The pair was taken to  hospital after Monarch Fire Protection District paramedics extricated them from their car, a 1992 Infinity, according to KSDK TV.

The popular Whitfield teacher was sedated, and breathing with the aid of a respirator, Wednesday. Her family anticipated surgery.

Her son Jon had surgery to repair a broken arm and leg, and was conscious, and talking—recognizing family members, according to CaringBridge.

KSDK TV said the driver of a Chevy Tahoe involved in the crash, was 53 years old. There was no information on the condition of the Tahoe driver. Chesterfield police said alcohol may have been involved.

Chesterfield police told Patch Wednesday afternoon the investigation had been handed over to St. Louis County prosecutors.

Police said the crash occurred about 10:40 Friday night near the Riverdale intersection on Wildhorse Creek Road.

Esrock is a teacher and assistant girls hockey coach at Whitfield School on South Mason Road in St. Louis County.

Family members were at the hospital with Esrock and her son—two college-age children and their father.

Whitfield's interim head of school sent out an email Saturday to students, and shared it with Patch.

Dear Families,

I want you to know that last night, math teacher, Janet Esrock and her 10th grade son, Jonathan, were in a very serious car accident.  They are currently at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, and are being treated for their injuries.  When I visited the hospital earlier, I was able to speak with several members of their family who are gathered there.  Janet's other children, Becky '09 and Joe '11 are traveling back from college today to be with their family.

Because of their serious injuries, Mrs. Esrock and Jon have been heavily sedated and cannot see or speak with anyone at the present time.   

As a much beloved teacher at Whitfield for many years, Janet has touched the lives of our entire community. Given the potential for this to be upsetting and difficult for students, parents, teachers, staff and alumni families, we have arranged for two professional counselors to be at school on Monday morning for anyone in the community who might need their assistance.

The Whitfield community has already begun mobilizing to be ready to help the Esrock family in any way possible. As the family provides us with additional information, we will make it available to you as appropriate, as well as giving guidance about what you can do to be helpful. Please keep Janet, Jonathan and their family in your hearts and minds during this difficult time.

Mrs. Ruth E. Greathouse
Interim Head of School
Whitfield School