4-10-2025 11:21pm

BAILEE & SERENITY

Bailee Brooks, Serenity Gross Remembered After I-695 Crash

Two third-graders from Lutherville Lab Elementary were among three people killed in a horrific, fiery crash off I-695 in Baltimore County over the weekend, police confirmed.

Maryland State Police said the crash happened around 11:05 p.m. Saturday, April 5, when a trooper attempted a traffic stop on a Jeep Wrangler on the inner loop of I-695 near Greenspring Avenue.

The Jeep fled. The trooper did not pursue and reentered traffic, police said.

Just minutes later, that same Jeep was found fully engulfed in flames off the ramp to southbound I-83. Investigators believe the driver lost control, hit an embankment, then a tree before the vehicle burst into flames.

Three people inside — including two young passengers later identified as 9-year-olds Bailee Brooks and Serenity Gross — were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their identities have not yet been formally released by police, but tributes and a GoFundMe from their school confirmed their deaths.

“This weekend, the Lutherville Lab Elementary School community suffered an unimaginable loss,” the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "These two beautiful souls were loved by everyone who knew them and brought joy and light to our school.

"Their loss has left an immense void in the hearts of their families, friends, and the entire community."

The school’s PTA shared memories of both girls, calling Bailee “funny, spunky, and curious,” and Serenity “bright, kind, and an amazing athlete.”

"Bailee was funny, spunky, curious, and made those around her laugh," they wrote. "Serenity was bright, kind, energetic, and an amazing athlete and helper.

"Both were among friends wherever they went, adored their families, and will be missed by all ... Both were beloved by classmates and adored by their families.

The Maryland State Police CRASH Team is continuing the investigation. The road was closed for about four hours as fire marshals, local police, and highway crews assisted on the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact police.

"In this difficult time, we are coming together to support Bailee’s and Serenity’s families with the funeral and memorial expenses," organizers wrote.

"We are asking for your generosity to help alleviate some of the financial burden and ensure that these beloved children receive the beautiful farewells they deserve."

The GoFundMe set up for the girls' families can be found here.