STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Veronica Tatyana Bailey, 31, a former resident of Mariners Harbor, was among the six lives lost in a fiery crash in Newark on the night of Dec. 6.
Bailey, who lived in Jersey City at the time of her death, lived on Staten Island for around eight years with her mother, Aila Benitez. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Bailey and Benitez moved to Jersey City following the death of Bailey’s father, Andrew J. Bailey.
The father was among the 2,977 victims of the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
After spending some time in Jersey City, Bailey and her mother bought a home on Staten Island in 2011.
Benitez reflected on the years in which the pair lived on Staten Island. The mother noted how the Richmond Terrace home was purchased using the money in a trust fund established by Bailey’s father. The home kept the women in close proximity to Benitez’s sisters, two former residents of Staten Island, and allowed Bailey the opportunity to attend the College of Staten Island with a focus in the liberal arts as well as a beauty school.
Veronica Bailey, 31, was one of six individuals killed in a fiery crash in Newark, N.J., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Courtesy of Aila Benitez)(Courtesy of Aila Benitez)
In addition to her mother, Bailey had a 24-year-old sister, Jocelyn Inverdale, who Benitez says shared an affectionate bond with her older sibling.
After a number of years, in 2019, the family sold the Mariners Harbor home and Bailey decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia. Meanwhile, Benitez moved back to her parents’ home in Jersey City.
Bailey furthered her education beyond the schooling received on Staten Island. She was also a graduate student at the Abundant Life Academy in Kanab, Utah, and while in Atlanta, earned her license as an esthetician.
A real “go-getter,” Bailey served in a number of roles, including bartender, concierge receptionist and flight attendant; the latter of which was a job she held at LaGuardia Airport while living on Staten Island.
After spending some time in Georgia, Bailey returned home to her family in Jersey City in February of 2024. Her aspirations led her to plan on launching her own beauty product business. Tragically, prior to her death, Bailey had developed her business plan and even conducted a promotional photo shoot.
When she wasn’t busy working, Benitez says her daughter loved to spend time with her friends and travel.
“She was very outgoing. She was like the center of the attention, it could be a crowded room and everybody looks up to her,” Benitez said.
Veronica Bailey, 31, was one of six individuals killed in a fiery crash in Newark, N.J., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Courtesy of Aila Benitez)(Courtesy of Aila Benitez)
The mother remembers her daughter for her caring nature and for having a “great sense of humor.” Benitez also recalled how anyone who knew Bailey always had something beautiful to say about her.
“She always encouraged people, if ever there’s something that they believe, always believe in yourself and always make it happen,” added Benitez. “Make your dream come true.”
Bailey’s funeral took place on Sunday at Martin Hughes Funeral Home in Concord.
Benitez shared that a GoFundMe has been established online to cover the funeral and burial expenses. Those who wish to contribute to the fund can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-veronicas-bright-spirit.
As of Friday afternoon, $15,331 has been raised from 177 donations.
Veronica Bailey is survived by her mother, sister, grandmothers, grandfather, and extended family and friends.
The fatal collision
The deadly crash took place around 10:45 p.m. on the night of Dec. 6, as reported by NJ.com. At the time, the vehicle was traveling south on Raymond Boulevard toward the on-ramp to southbound Routes 1 & 9 in Newark.
Veering off the road, the vehicle plunged in the air and struck a support column for the Pulaski Skyway, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said, according to the report.
The car subsequently burst into flames and all six occupants were killed.
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