Fallston roadside memorial removed in dispute with Maryland Highway Administration

FALLSTON, Md. —

A roadside memorial along Route 152 in Fallston has sparked a dispute between a grieving family, neighbors, and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

The memorial, created by Brad Hopkins, honors his son Gavin Hopkins, who died in March at the age of 20 after losing control of his motorcycle. Brad described Gavin as "a good kid" and said the memorial serves as a place of refuge for family and friends.

"His mother and I had his body cremated," Hopkins said. "We decided not to put him in a cemetery...We just wanted to have a spot where people can come and pay respect and have a moment with him."

Hopkins said Gavin's grandfather contacted the State Highway Administration before placing the memorial.

"He spoke to someone at the local office," he said. "They said it would be OK as long as it's not on the neighbors' property. I spoke with that same person at the SHA in Churchville. He told me the same thing. He said as long as it's on state property, we will let it go. We will even tell our maintenance crews to come and take care of the grass just to cut around it and I said don’t worry about that. I’ll come out and cut around it and take care of the property around it. I had no problem with doing that.”