Family hopes for justice after 2 generations killed in St. Louis County crash

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A tight-knit family is dealing with the loss of three family in a crash on Interstate 55 near Butler Road in south St. Louis County.

“We got a notification that there had been her phone had been shocked, dropped an accident, something whatever. So, I tried to call it. No answer,” Eric Lewis said.

Former St. Francois County Sheriff’s Deputy Betty Coale, Jeanette Kelly and Robert Coale died from their injuries.

Lewis told First Alert 4, “First one was my mother. My grandmother and my uncle, mother and uncle were brother and sister. From what we understand, and the report says is that they were getting ready to get off on 270 and from what witnesses have said, that the challenger was weaving in and out.”

The family shared a crash report they received from the Missouri State Highway Patrol listing the other driver’s name.

“We’re all very angry, I mean he should be responsible for what he did. I mean, this isn’t the first time, he’s had several,” Julie Matthiesen said.

First Alert 4 did our own digging and found the driver of that challenger has a history of reckless driving.

We’re not sharing the driver’s identity since he has not been charged.

First Alert 4 found court records showing the man has been charged in eight traffic-related cases dating back to 2018.

In a 2023 case, Kirkwood police cited him for careless and imprudent driving while a enger shot fireworks out of the window.

Most recently, Jefferson County Police issued him a summons for failing to appear in court. In that case, he was cited for careless and reckless driving by speeding.

Other court documents show he has a history of not showing up in court.

First Alert 4 tried to reach out to the driver, but he didn’t answer our calls.

This family hopes the justice system will step in before anyone else is hurt.

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