Tragedy for Northwestern Secondary

Students and staff are mourning the death of one of their classmates in a car crash on icy roads north of Toronto on Thursday. Family members confirm that Gordon Esterhasz, 17, died in the single-vehicle crash. Two other boys, including the driver of the vehicle, are still in the hospital but are expected to survive. Their names have not yet been released.

The boys were members of the Northwestern Warriors varsity basketball team and were on their way home from a tournament win when the crash occurred. “Gord was a terrific kid, just loved life,” said Northwestern principal Jennifer Podeswa. “We’ll be bringing in grief counselors to help students cope with this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gordon’s family, and with those of the boys who remain in the hospital.”

Police won’t say whether or not alcohol was a factor in the crash.

I didn’t understand. None of it made sense. Jacob’s friends were Randle and Ben. They’d been hit by a drunk driver.

I Googled “Gordon Esterhasz.” The first article to pop up was an obituary.

It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Jonathan Esterhasz announces his sudden passing at age 17 in a motor vehicle accident. He is survived by his loving parents Shirley and Gordon Sr. and siblings Ellen and Todd. Funeral services will be held at Whitehills Chapel on March 28, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Gordy, you will be sorely missed by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and grandparents.

Shirley and Gordon Esterhasz. Shirley Esterhasz. S. Esterhasz.

Shirlest123.

I didn’t hear the buzzer. I didn’t hear my mom let him in. I only heard him when he was right behind me. “Petula,” he began.

He stopped when he saw Gordon’s obituary on my computer screen. There was a long silence.

“I was going to tell you. I came over here to tell you.”

“I don’t understand.” My words were sluggish, like my mouth had been shot full of novocaine.

He stared up at the ceiling. Then he looked me in the eye.

“I was the drunk driver. I’m the one who killed Gord.”