Birmingham, Alabama, July 28, 2025
News Summary
The death of three-year-old Ketorrius Starkes in Birmingham has raised concerns about child safety after he was left in a hot vehicle for five hours. Investigations are ongoing, and community members are coming together to support the grieving family with a memorial. This incident marks a worrying trend in child deaths due to heat exposure in vehicles, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and prevention measures.
Birmingham, Alabama – Authorities are actively investigating the tragic death of three-year-old Ketorrius Starkes, who was left in a hot vehicle by a contractor associated with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The young child was discovered unresponsive on the afternoon of July 22, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency services.
According to the Birmingham Police Department, Ketorrius was “accidentally left inside of a vehicle” under the care of a third-party worker. Officers received the report shortly after 5:30 p.m., and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The coroner’s office revealed that the child had been left unattended in the vehicle for approximately five hours, from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., on a day when temperatures soared to a scorching 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
Initial reporting misidentified the child as “Katerrius Sparks,” but this was later corrected after family confirmation. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m., and a balloon release and memorial are being organized to honor his memory.
The contractor who was responsible for Ketorrius’ care has not been publicly named but has been cooperative with the investigation. Following the incident, this worker was terminated from their position. The Alabama DHR confirmed that Ketorrius was being transported by a contract provider at the time of his death. It is alleged that after picking him up from daycare at around 9 a.m. for a supervised visit with his father, the worker engaged in “numerous personal errands” instead of returning him to daycare after the visit ended at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Particularly concerning is the fact that according to the Jefferson County medical examiner, the vehicle in which Ketorrius was left was locked with all the windows rolled up, and the ignition was off when he was discovered. This incident marks the latest in a troubling trend—Ketorrius is at least the 16th child to die in a hot car in 2025 alone, aligning with the statistic that approximately 88% of such deaths involve children ages three or younger. In total, there were 41 documented child deaths in hot cars across the United States from May to November 2024.
The family attorney explained the situation as a “parent’s worst nightmare,” underscoring the grief and heartbreak that has swept over Ketorrius’ family and community. Family members remember him as a joyful and vibrant child who loved life. The attorney’s comments echo the sentiments of many who have followed this tragic story, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention of such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
In light of Ketorrius’ death, community members are coming together to support the grieving family. Plans for a memorial and balloon release in Ketorrius’ honor are already underway, demonstrating the impact this tragedy has had on those who knew and loved him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ketorrius Starkes?
Ketorrius Starkes died after being left unattended in a hot vehicle for approximately five hours by a contractor working for the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Who was responsible for Ketorrius’ care at the time of the incident?
A contract worker from the Alabama DHR was responsible for his care, but that individual has not been publicly identified.
How long was Ketorrius left in the vehicle?
Ketorrius was left in the hot vehicle from around 12:30 p.m. until he was discovered unresponsive at approximately 5:30 p.m.
What were the temperature conditions at the time?
Temperatures reached as high as 96 degrees Fahrenheit on the day of the incident.
What is being done in memory of Ketorrius Starkes?
A balloon release and memorial are being planned to honor the memory of Ketorrius and support his family during this difficult time.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Ketorrius Starkes |
| Age | 3 years old |
| Date of Incident | July 22 |
| Duration in Vehicle | Approx. 5 hours |
| Temperature | Max 96 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Status of Caregiver | Terminated and under investigation |
| Community Action | Planned memorial and balloon release |
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Additional Resources
- New York Times: Alabama Boy’s Death in Hot Car
- Wikipedia: Child Safety
- CNN: Alabama Child Hot Car Death
- Google Search: Hot Car Deaths Statistics
- The Guardian: Alabama Boy’s Death in Hot Car
- Google Scholar: Child Hot Car Deaths
- USA Today: Alabama Child Hot Car State Custody
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- New York Post: Boy 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.
