Birmingham, AL, July 24, 2025
News Summary
A three-year-old boy, KJ Starkes Jr., was found dead in a hot car in Birmingham, Alabama, leading to investigations and calls for accountability. The child was under the care of a contracted worker from the Department of Human Resources during the incident. KJ endured extreme heat for nearly five hours, raising concerns about child welfare practices and safety protocols. The incident has prompted discussions about necessary changes in the care of vulnerable children.
Birmingham, Alabama – Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old KJ Starkes Sparks Investigation
A tragic incident in Birmingham has left a community in mourning after a 3-year-old boy named Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. was found dead after being left alone in a hot car on Tuesday night. The boy was under the care of a contracted worker from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) when the incident occurred. This marks the first reported hot car death in Alabama this year and the 16th nationwide, according to Kids and Car Safety.
KJ was in the vehicle for nearly five hours, from approximately 12:30 p.m. until authorities arrived around 5:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m. The car was found parked outside a residence on Pine Tree Drive with the windows rolled up and not running, amidst a deadly heat index that reached triple digits on what was noted as a First Warning Impact Day.
Incident Details and Investigation
Prior to the tragedy, KJ had been at a DHR office in Bessemer for a scheduled visit with his father, Ke’Torrius Starkes Sr. It was common practice for KJ to be taken to daycare after these visits; however, on this occasion, he was not returned. An attorney for the family indicated that, after picking KJ up from daycare at 9:00 a.m. for the supervised visit, the transport driver made a stop for food and other errands, failing to return KJ to daycare afterward.
When authorities found KJ, he was strapped in his car seat, highlighting the grave situation he had endured. The Birmingham Police are actively investigating the circumstances leading to the boy’s death. In the wake of this tragic event, the contracted worker responsible for KJ’s transport has been terminated from her position.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The Dixon family, including KJ’s aunt, has expressed their profound grief over the loss, struggling to comprehend the tragedy. They have called for accountability in child welfare and questioned existing safety protocols concerning the transportation of children in care. The attorney representing the family emphasized that the conditions on that day created a preventable tragedy, inferring that the extreme heat should have warranted immediate concern for KJ’s wellbeing.
This case has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibility of child welfare agencies in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring they are safely transported. Instances of hot car deaths serve as a dire reminder of the critical need for systemic changes in how children are cared for, especially under state supervision.
Background Context
Hot car deaths, while rare, continue to pose a significant risk, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat. Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and the interior of a parked vehicle can reach lethal temperatures within minutes. This incident has drawn renewed attention to the complexities and challenges faced by child welfare providers and has reinforced the need for enhanced training and strict adherence to safety protocols.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the hope that lessons from this heartbreak can lead to preventive measures for the future.
FAQ
What happened to KJ Starkes?
KJ Starkes, a 3-year-old boy, tragically died after being left alone in a hot car for nearly five hours while under the care of a contracted worker from the Department of Human Resources in Birmingham, Alabama.
What are the circumstances of KJ’s death?
KJ was picked up from daycare for a supervised visit with his father but was not returned afterward. Instead, the transport driver stopped for errands, leaving KJ in the car, which was parked outside with the windows rolled up on a day with a dangerous heat index.
What have authorities said about the incident?
Birmingham Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding KJ’s death, while the contracted worker responsible has been terminated from her position due to the incident. The case has raised concerns about accountability and safety protocols in child welfare.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr., 3 years old |
| Time of Incident | From 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on a First Warning Impact Day |
| Location | Outside a home on Pine Tree Drive, Birmingham |
| Cause of Death | Exposure to extreme heat with a high heat index |
| Status of Transport Worker | Terminated from DHR |
| Investigation | Ongoing by Birmingham Police |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBRC: 3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
- Wikipedia: Hot Car Death
- AL.com: 3-Year-Old Bessemer Boy Dead After Being Left in Hot Car
- Google Search: 3-Year-Old Boy Left in Hot Car Death
- ABC 33/40: Family of Toddler Who Died in Hot Car Hires Attorney
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- CBS 42: Bessemer 3-Year-Old Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
- Google News: Hot Car Deaths
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
