The family of a U.S. Army veteran and his unborn daughter killed in a head-on crash in Brooklyn is raising funds to support his wife, who was severely injured in the collision.
Army veteran Andrew Baker, 26, and his pregnant wife Gabrielle Baker, 27, of Dayville were driving on Route 6 in Brooklyn on Nov. 7 when they were hit head-on by a Jeep, according to the Connecticut State Police.
Andrew Baker and his unborn daughter, Elizabeth, died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to a GoFundMe set up by his family.
Gabrielle Baker was airlifted to the hospital for an emergency C-section, but the medical staff was unable to save the baby, the GoFundMe said. Elizabeth was due to be born in December, according to the GoFundMe.
Gabrielle was on life-support with “massive brain injuries” immediately following the crash. Her 27th birthday was on Tuesday, and messages from loved ones poured into a Facebook page set up by her relatives. Her condition is improving, according to posts from family members. She is no longer on a ventilator and is becoming more active, her family said.
The GoFundMe has received over $37,000 in donations, which will go toward funeral costs for Andrew and Elizabeth Baker. Any overages will go toward Gabrielle’s medical costs, the page said. The family is also selling “Gabby Strong” T-shirts with sunflowers, a flower she loves. Each shirt costs $25 and 100% of all proceeds will be placed in an account for her recovery.
Andrew was a “devoted and loving husband” who was honorably discharged from the Army after serving as a military police officer, the GoFundMe said. He was a Killingly native who graduated from Killingly High School in 2014, according to his obituary. He loved fishing, shooting, hunting, boating and his beloved German Shepherd, Laika.
Andrew and Gabrielle got married in June on the beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, and were “overjoyed” to be having their first child this December, according to his obituary. The couple had outfitted Elizabeth’s nursery with sunflowers.
“Baby Beth was much wanted and wished for by our whole family,” his obituary said. “Drew is undoubtedly holding her heavenly spirit in his arms.”
Calling hours for Andrew and Elizabeth will be held at Tillinghurst Funeral Home on Main Street in Danielson on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. A full funeral with full military honors will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Danielson, according to his obituary. To donate to the GoFundMe, go to https://gofund.me/abc2b384.
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