Teens Involved In Deadly Fiery Car Crash, Prince George's Principal Speaks Out

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Two of the four teens killed in the fiery car crash last week were students at Charles H. Flowers High School, according to Prince George's County Public Schools. Aisha Braveboy, state’s attorney for Prince George’s County, called the crash a "series of bad choices made by young people that led to tragic outcomes."

Four individuals died in a fiery car crash last Friday night in Mitchellville. The vehicle that burned up had been involved in an armed carjacking earlier that day in Greenbelt, according to police. Sources told 7News a 14-year-old, 15-year-old and two 17-year-olds were trapped inside when the car caught fire. Mona Hamilton said her granddaughter, Serenity Sellman, was the 15-year-old.

"She was a nice girl and she didn’t know the car was stolen. Had I known she was going I wouldn’t have let her go there," Hamilton told 7News.

On Sept. 29 around 7:30 p.m., officers in the area of Lottsford Road and Palmetto Drive saw a Kia Sorento with expired temporary tags. Officers turned on their emergency equipment and tried to stop the Kia but the vehicle sped off. They pursued the Kia but lost sight of the vehicle and ended up the police pursuit. Officers were informed that the registered vehicle didn't match the paper tag, so they continued to search for the vehicle but couldn't find it, Patch reported.

Four minutes later, a witness told police that the driver of the Kia passed them on the shoulder of the road in the 12800 block of Woodmore Road. While passing the vehicle, the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. The Kia Sorento burst into flames. Rescue workers put out the fire and tried to save the four people inside but all were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash site was approximately 2.5 miles from the site of the attempted traffic stop, the police department noted.

The school's principal sent a letter home to families that was obtained by FOX 5 DC.

"We have learned that two of our beloved students were involved in a fatal car accident and, tragically, did not survive," the letter from Dr. Gorman E. Brown reads. "This loss leaves a deep void in our school community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends. Their lives were filled with promise, and their absence is felt profoundly by all who knew them."

The letter does not name either of the students. The other two people who died have not been identified, but according to the Prince George's County state's attorney, they are also believed to be teens.

"What we are seeing really is a series of bad choices being made by young people that lead to tragic outcomes," Braveboy said. "This drives home my point. The Department of Juvenile Services should not just be releasing people accused of violent crime before seeing a judge."

Hamilton agreed the system failed the teen with a troubled criminal background, she told 7News.

"Nobody helped him. He was basically homeless."

Read the full letter sent home to Charles H. Flowers families below:

Dear Members of the Charles H. Flowers High School Community,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we must share the devastating news of a
tragic loss within our close-knit school family. We have learned that two of our beloved
students were involved in a fatal car accident and, tragically, did not survive.

This loss leaves a deep void in our school community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to
the families and friends. Their lives were filled with promise, and their absence is felt
profoundly by all who knew them.

During this incredibly difficult time, we want to extend our support to one another and the
affected families. It is very difficult for all of us to face the death of a young person. This
morning, a support team of school psychologists, professional school counselors, and pupil
personnel workers from Prince George’s County Public Schools joined our staff to provide
counseling and support to students. Counseling will continue to be available to students as
long as necessary.

Today we have provided the students with support; however, they may be coming home with
questions and worries about this loss. Please feel free to contact me or the professional school
counselor if you have any issues you would like to discuss. Some suggestions for coping with
grief include:

● Speak to your child regarding the crisis and provide them with accurate information regarding the crisis in language that she or he can understand.
● It is important to listen carefully to your child and show them that you understand what they are feeling or thinking.
● Give additional affection in the form of hugs and other physical contact.
● Spend additional individualized time with your child. Try to structure your time with them by playing games, having discussions and going places.
● Focus your attention on your child. Encourage your child to share their feelings.
● Write a card or letter, or draw a picture.
● Ask your child how they are coping even though children often respond, “I am fine.” The fact that you ask will most likely be important to your child, even though they may not share or show their feelings at this time.

We will be organizing counseling services and support groups for students, faculty, and staff
who may need assistance in processing their grief and emotions. Information regarding these
resources will be provided shortly.

We understand that grief takes its own course, and there is no timetable for healing. Please
know that we are here for one another during this time of immense loss, and we are ready to
lend our support in any way possible.

Our school community is a tight-knit family, and together we can provide strength and comfort
to each other as we navigate this tragic loss. We will keep you informed about any memorial
services or tributes that may be planned in the coming days.

With a heavy heart,
Dr. Gorman E. Brown, Principal

Related:

• 4 Killed When Stolen Kia Crashes Into Tree, Bursts Into Flames: Police