Birmingham Community Rallies to Support Grieving Father

Birmingham, July 31, 2025

News Summary

Following the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Reginald Pope in Birmingham, the community is uniting to support his father. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by a local restaurant aims to assist with funeral expenses and provide uplift during this painful time. The incident highlights important discussions surrounding gun safety and youth responsibility, as a juvenile suspect faces reckless manslaughter charges. The Woodlawn High School community mourns the loss, remembering Pope’s positive impact.

Birmingham Community Rallies to Support Father After Son’s Fatal Shooting

On Friday morning, Reginald Pope, a 17-year-old rising senior and football player at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, was tragically killed in a shooting incident at an apartment in Gate City. The shooting took place around 8:30 a.m. while Pope was socializing with friends in the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South. Reports indicate that the incident was caused by reckless conduct involving another teenage boy who was handling a firearm at the time.

A juvenile suspect has since been charged with reckless manslaughter, a Class B felony in Alabama that carries a potential prison sentence of two to 20 years. This charge reflects the unintentional death that was caused by actions deemed reckless. Authorities have not released the name of the suspect due to their age.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Birmingham community is showing overwhelming support for Reginald Pope’s father, Carl “LA” Alexander, a respected figure known for his contributions to the local area. The popular restaurant Gus’s Hotdogs has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses for Pope. This campaign aims not only to assist in financial matters but also to uplift Alexander and his family during this devastating time, as it is said that no parent should have to endure the loss of a child.

The Woodlawn High School community is mourning the loss of their own, as many students and faculty members express their sorrow over the incident. Pope was described as someone who brought light, laughter, and a lasting legacy to those around him, embodying the spirit of the Woodlawn family.

Gus’s Hotdogs owner emphasized the importance of supporting Alexander, highlighting the positivity he has exuded in the community for more than two decades. As the community comes together during this difficult time, individuals are encouraged to donate, share prayers, and offer their support for Pope’s family.

Community Support Initiatives

The GoFundMe campaign launched by Gus’s Hotdogs aims to lessen the burden on the Alexander family. Local residents are encouraged to contribute generously to help the family at a time of unimaginable pain. Community support has poured in, illustrating the strong bonds that exist within Birmingham, especially when faced with tragedy.

Background on Reckless Manslaughter

Reckless manslaughter is defined in Alabama law as an unintentional killing resulting from reckless actions. This classification places the incident under serious criminal implications. The unfolding saga surrounding Pope’s death has put a spotlight on gun safety and the tragic consequences of negligence, especially among young individuals.

As the community processes this tragic event, many are reflecting on broader issues related to youth, gun safety, and the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership. Initiatives aimed at promoting safety and awareness may arise in response to this heartbreaking incident.

How to Help

Community members wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe campaign or provide support to the Alexander family can find more information at local community centers and various platforms online where the campaign is being promoted. This act of solidarity highlights the strength of a community bound together in times of loss.

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Additional Resources

• AL.com: Popular Birmingham Hot Dog Spot Raising Money for Employee
• Wikipedia: Reckless Manslaughter
• WBRC: Community Raising Money for Beloved Gus’s Hot Dogs Employee
• Google Search: Gun Safety Initiatives
• CBS 42: Downtown Birmingham Gets John Lewis Mural
• Google Scholar: Gun Safety Among Teenagers
• Bham Now: Slutty Vegan & Gus’s Hot Dogs Earn High Food Service Scores
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless Conduct in Law

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.