Birmingham, Alabama, July 24, 2025
News Summary
On July 22, a heartbreaking incident unfolded in Birmingham when 3-year-old Keterrious Starks Jr. was found deceased after being left in a parked car for five hours. The child, under the care of DHR, was in a secured car seat during extreme temperatures with no supervision. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for awareness about hot car deaths, which remain a growing concern nationwide.
Birmingham, Alabama – A tragic incident struck on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when a 3-year-old boy named Keterrious ‘KJ’ Starks Jr. was found dead after being left in a hot vehicle for five hours. The incident occurred in the 1500 block of Pine Tree Drive, where KJ was left in a parked car with the windows rolled up and without the engine running.
Emergency responders pronounced KJ dead at 6:03 p.m. after Birmingham police found him unresponsive inside the car at approximately 6:40 p.m. He had been secured in his car seat for the duration of the incident. This case marks the first hot car death in Alabama for the year 2025, and KJ becomes the 16th child to die in similar circumstances across the nation this year, as reported by Kids and Car Safety.
KJ was living in a foster home under the care of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and was reportedly picked up from daycare earlier that day by a transport driver for a planned visitation with his biological father. After the visit concluded around 11:30 a.m., it is alleged that the worker stopped at a store before returning home, resulting in KJ being left inside the vehicle for over five hours without any check-ins or supervision.
The family’s attorney stated that the tragedy could have been avoided. Temperatures soared that day, with a heat index reaching 108 degrees Fahrenheit, which likely caused the car’s interior temperature to exceed 150 degrees. Such extreme heat conditions pose serious risks, especially to small children.
Following the incident, DHR acknowledged the worker involved had their employment terminated but refrained from providing further details due to confidentiality concerns. Meanwhile, the Birmingham Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding KJ’s death.
Heartbroken by the loss, KJ’s biological father has expressed his sorrow, lamenting the inability to hold his son again. The family and community are mourning this tragic loss, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures against hot car deaths, particularly involving young children.
Hot Car Deaths: A Growing Concern
The case of KJ Starks Jr. underscores a persistent and tragic trend across the United States. Hot car deaths, especially involving children left unattended, are a significant concern. Each year, an average of 38 children die from heatstroke in vehicles, according to national safety organizations.
Preventative Measures
Experts suggest several strategies to prevent these tragic incidents, including:
- Never leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period.
- Creating reminders, such as placing a personal item in the back seat to check on children when exiting the car.
- Advocating for community awareness programs that educate parents, caregivers, and transport workers about the dangers of heatstroke in a vehicle.
The heartbreaking loss of KJ serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with hot cars and the critical need for diligence in child care.
FAQ
What happened to KJ Starks Jr.?
KJ Starks Jr., a 3-year-old boy, was found deceased after being left in a parked car for five hours in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 22, 2025. He was in the custody of DHR and had been picked up for a visitation but was not returned to daycare.
What are the circumstances surrounding his death?
KJ was left in the vehicle during extreme heat conditions, with temperatures exceeding 108 degrees Fahrenheit. He remained in the car for over five hours after returning from a visit with his father.
What actions have been taken following the incident?
The transport driver involved has had their employment terminated, and the Birmingham Police Department has initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to KJ’s death.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Hot Car Deaths in Alabama (2025) | 1 |
| National Hot Car Deaths (2025) | 16 |
| Average Hot Car Deaths Annually (USA) | 38 |
| Maximum Temperature Inside Vehicle on July 22, 2025 | 150 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Heat Index on July 22, 2025 | 108 degrees Fahrenheit |
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: 3-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Left in Hot Car
- WVTM: Alabama Boy Dies in Hot Car
- ABC3340: Family Hires Attorney After Toddler Dies in Hot Car
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hot Car Deaths
- Google Search: 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.
