Birmingham, Alabama, July 24, 2025
News Summary
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, when 3-year-old Ke’Torrius ‘KJ’ Starkes Jr. died after being left alone in a hot car for over five hours. The boy was left by a contracted worker from Covenant Services, leading to an investigation by local authorities. The case highlights the alarming issue of hot car deaths, as KJ is one of multiple children to die in similar circumstances in the U.S. this year.
Birmingham, Alabama – A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, when a 3-year-old boy named Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. died after being left alone in a hot car for over five hours. The heartbreaking event took place at a private residence on Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham.
KJ was reportedly left inside a parked vehicle from approximately 12:30 p.m. until around 5:30 p.m. on that sweltering day. Emergency responders from the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead at 6:03 p.m. upon their arrival at the scene.
The young boy was under the supervision of Covenant Services, a third-party contractor for the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). DHR confirmed that KJ was being transported by a contracted worker when the tragedy occurred. Following the incident, the provider terminated the employee involved, and that individual has been cooperating with authorities during the investigation.
Details surrounding the case reveal that KJ’s biological father, Ke’Torrius Starkes Sr., last saw his son during a scheduled visitation at DHR on the morning of July 22, just hours before the incident. The visitation concluded around 11:30 a.m., and it was the usual protocol for KJ to be returned to daycare afterward. However, instead of following this protocol, the transport worker reportedly stopped to grab food and visited a tobacco store before returning to their residence, where KJ was left inside the vehicle.
Investigations indicate that outside temperatures reached a staggering 108 degrees that day, and it is estimated that the interior of the vehicle may have soared well over 150 degrees. This incident marks the first reported hot car death in Alabama for the year 2025 and is part of a broader concern, as KJ is at least the 16th child to die in similar circumstances across the United States this year, according to Kids and Car Safety data.
Family members expressed profound disbelief and grief in the wake of the tragedy. KJ’s foster mother realized he was missing when she arrived to pick him up later that day. The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the details surrounding KJ’s death, and the transport worker has been taken to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning in connection with the case.
Background of Hot Car Deaths
Hot car deaths have become an alarming issue in the United States, with families losing loved ones due to heatstroke after being left in vehicles. Each year, numerous children fall victim to such preventable tragedies. The dangers of heat exposure in cars are well-documented, especially during the summer months when temperatures rise. Advocacy groups aim to raise awareness to ensure similar situations do not occur again.
Key Details
- Victim: Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr.
- Age: 3 years old
- Date of Incident: July 22, 2025
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
- Temperature: Outside temperature at 108 degrees
- Interior Car Temperature: Estimated over 150 degrees
- Circumstances: Left in car for over 5 hours
Next Steps
The Birmingham Police Department continues to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of KJ’s death. The public is encouraged to stay informed about the findings and to promote prevention measures against hot car deaths.
FAQ Section
What caused Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr.’s death?
KJ died after being left alone in a parked vehicle in extremely high temperatures for over five hours.
Who was responsible for KJ’s care when the incident occurred?
KJ was under the care of a contracted worker from Covenant Services, which provides services for the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
What steps is the Birmingham Police Department taking in the investigation?
The police department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including questioning the involved transport worker.
How common are hot car deaths in the United States?
Hot car deaths are a concerning issue, with KJ being the 16th child to die in such a way in 2025 across the United States.
What can be done to prevent hot car deaths?
Raising public awareness and promoting education on the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles are crucial steps toward prevention.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC News
- WVTM 13 News
- WLBT News
- ABC 33/40 News
- CBS 42 News
- Wikipedia: Child Safety
- Google Search: Hot Car Deaths Prevention
- Google Scholar: Hot Car Deaths
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heatstroke in Children
- 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.
