The laughter of two nine-year-old girls, Bailee Brooks and Serenity Gross, still echoes in the hearts of their families and the Lutherville Laboratory Elementary School community. Their vibrant spirits, described as bright, joyful, and inseparable, were tragically silenced on the night of April 5, 2025, in a fiery crash on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County. The girls, along with their 36-year-old uncle, Devin Frink, perished when their Jeep Wrangler careened off a ramp, struck an embankment and a tree, and burst into flames. The loss of these young lives and a devoted family member has left a community grappling with grief and seeking answers about the events leading to the catastrophe.
The incident began just after 11 p.m. on the inner loop of I-695 near Greenspring Avenue, where a Maryland State Police trooper initiated a traffic stop on the Jeep Wrangler driven by Frink. The vehicle had been stopped for failing to maintain its lane, a routine violation that should have ended with a warning or citation. Instead, for reasons that remain unclear, the Jeep fled the scene as the trooper approached. Authorities emphasize that the trooper adhered to protocol, deactivating his emergency lights and refraining from pursuit, a decision aligned with policies designed to prevent high-speed chases that endanger lives. Approximately three minutes later, the trooper, continuing along the highway, came upon a harrowing sight: the Jeep engulfed in flames off the ramp to southbound Interstate 83.
Preliminary investigations suggest the Jeep lost control while attempting to navigate the exit ramp, veering off the roadway, striking an embankment, and colliding with a tree. The impact ignited a fire that consumed the vehicle, leaving no chance for survival. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Frink, Bailee, and Serenity dead at the scene. The girls, third-graders at Lutherville Lab, had spent the day go-karting with Frink, who was entrusted with bringing them home after dropping off his own daughter. The outing, meant to be a joyful Saturday adventure, ended in unimaginable tragedy.
In the weeks following the crash, Bailee’s family, represented by attorney Thiru Vignarajah, has publicly called for the release of any dashcam or body-camera footage from the incident. Standing alongside Bailee’s great-uncle, Will Hanna, Vignarajah expressed the family’s desperate need for clarity, stating that unanswered questions fuel painful assumptions. Hanna, his voice heavy with sorrow, described Bailee as the heart of their family, a “precious, magical girl” whose absence has forever altered their lives. The family’s request for transparency underscores their commitment to understanding the circumstances that led to the loss of Bailee, Serenity, and Frink, while also honoring the memory of the two girls who were inseparable in life.
Maryland State Police have expressed deep condolences, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the families and the broader community. The department’s Crash Team, in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Forensic Sciences Division, is meticulously investigating the incident. Authorities have pledged to share additional details as they emerge, emphasizing their commitment to accuracy and professionalism. The investigation seeks to provide closure to three grieving families, each mourning the loss of loved ones who were integral to their lives.
Bailee and Serenity’s legacy endures through the outpouring of support from their school and community. Lutherville Lab’s principal, Sean McComb, wrote a heartfelt letter describing the girls as cherished students whose warmth touched everyone around them. The school’s PTA has rallied to support the families, organizing fundraisers and establishing a GoFundMe to cover funeral and memorial expenses. In lieu of flowers, Bailee’s family has encouraged donations to The Heart of Bailee Brooks Scholarship Fund, created by The Charm School Project, a dance and mentorship program where Bailee thrived. The scholarship will enable young girls to pursue their dreams, ensuring Bailee’s light continues to shine.
As the investigation unfolds, the community holds tight to memories of Bailee and Serenity—two best friends whose laughter and love left an indelible mark. Their story, though marked by tragedy, is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of community in the face of loss. The families’ pursuit of answers reflects a universal desire for truth and healing, a journey that Baltimore County walks together, step by heavy step.
