On the afternoon of November 4, 2023, Carroll County, Maryland, witnessed a heartrending multi-vehicle accident that claimed the lives of four people, including a pair of grandparents and their teenage grandson.
The incident occurred on Liberty Road. The Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 72-year-old Charles Black III, was carrying his wife, 69-year-old Barbara Black; her sister, 63-year-old Debbie Hill; their grandson, 17-year-old Gage Black; and 15-year-old Phillip Ceresa. As the Chevrolet was making a left turn onto Skidmore Road, it was suddenly rear-ended by a Saturn, driven by 25-year-old Austin Walker. The impact propelled the Equinox into the opposing traffic lanes, leading to a collision with a Ford F-350 driven by 59-year-old Jeffrey Burdette of Mt. Airy.
The consequences were catastrophic. Charles Black III, Barbara Black, and Debbie Hill were pronounced dead at the scene. Gage Black and Phillip Ceresa were critically injured and airlifted to a Baltimore trauma center. Regrettably, Gage Black later died from his injuries in the hospital.
The authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that impaired driving was not involved in this tragic event.
Following this disaster, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the affected families with their medical and funeral expenses.
