I've am trying to find a friend from a few years back...?

There all all these different sites out there but they all want to charge. With the internet and access to so much info, I'm thinking there has to be a way to track someone for free. I just don't know how. I really!! would love to find this friend of mine. She may be deceased or not, last I knew she was living a crazy life. But I can't even seem to find her brother ( last name wouldn't change)and likely still lives in the same state (MD). If anyone can help guide me in the right direction I would be SO grateful!! Thank you so much!