I was driving down the road, heard a whirl and

There is a black fuel relay way up under the top left driver side dash that breaks its main wire solder connections on the circuit board under over-heat conditions. Resolder that relay. Starting fluid will show that you have lost fuel delivery under no start conditions. You can use the breather hose from the valve cover for this test.

Have you checked the fuel pressure? I think that the fuel pressure is between 55 or 60 pounds. They won't run under 52 pounds.

Possibly a crankshaft position sensor had the same problem with one of my former vehicles. Be careful buying a new one though it is an electronic part and it is not returnable at most part stores. That is what it sounds like to me though.

This could possibly be a timing belt issue. In some cases the water pump will lock up, which is driven by timing belt on Escorts, and strips or breaks timing belt. This can be determined by removing the top center cover at front of engine and checking the belt.

If it just up and died on the road and will not turn over now even with a jump it almost sounds like you engine may have locked up on you. But it is hard to tell without actually seeing the car. For your sake I do hope it is a different problem. I would like to help you out more. Can you be more specific as to what the car did when it quit on you? Did it make any sounds or anything? Did it quit when you where actually driving or were you sitting some place at an idle? I look forward to hearing from you.

most likely fuel problem injectors most likely but could be the pump

wheel bearing ?? noise when moving or stationary as well

distributor core mate

The altenator and battery can be tested for free on most part stores. You can buy a rebuild kit cheaper than a new or rebuilt alteanator.

1998 ford escort sport engine started making a tapping noise and engine light started flashing. Had oil and water at normal level.
Car has 110,000 miles. Been serviced regularly!