Birmingham, Alabama, July 25, 2025
News Summary
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, where three-year-old KJ Starkes Jr. tragically died after being left alone in a hot vehicle for nearly five hours. He was in the custody of DHR and was supposed to have a supervised visit with his father. Investigations are ongoing as the family mourns the preventable loss and seeks answers regarding the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
Bessemer, Alabama – A tragic incident unfolded this week when a three-year-old boy named Keterrious “KJ” Starkes Jr. died after being left alone in a hot vehicle for nearly five hours. The incident occurred on Tuesday in the 1500 block of Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham, where KJ was in the custody of a contractor with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Emergency responders were called to the scene around 6:00 p.m., and KJ was pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m. The boy had been left unattended in a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of a private residence. The car was not running, and its windows were rolled up, leading to severe internal temperatures that likely exceeded 150 degrees, as the outside heat index reached 108 degrees.
KJ’s family confirmed that he was in DHR custody and typically resided in a foster home. He was supposed to have a supervised visit with his biological father on the day of the incident. After being picked up from daycare at 9:00 a.m., KJ was supposed to return after his visit ended around 11:30 a.m. However, the contractor responsible for KJ’s care did not take him back to daycare, raising concerns among family members.
Following the visit, the contracted worker made stops to purchase food and visit a tobacco shop before returning home, neglecting to return KJ to daycare as planned. In response to the incident, DHR issued a statement confirming that a child in their custody was involved and that the provider responsible for KJ’s supervision has since been terminated.
The contractor was identified as an employee of Covenant Services, a third-party contractor for DHR. Birmingham police are currently investigating the events surrounding KJ’s death, although no charges have been filed at this time. The worker has been taken in for questioning but has cooperated with authorities.
KJ’s death marks the first hot car death in Alabama for the year 2025 and represents the 16th incident of this nature nationwide, according to records from Kids and Car Safety. The boy’s biological father, Keterrious “KJ” Sparks Sr., expressed profound grief at his son’s passing, while the family, including both biological and foster relatives, is still trying to comprehend how such a tragedy could occur.
The family’s attorney described the incident as a “heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” reflecting the sentiments shared by many affected by KJ’s death. The child’s aunt indicated that KJ had a regular routine of being picked up from daycare for family visits, emphasizing the heartbreak experienced by those who loved him.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on understanding the circumstances that led to this devastating loss and preventing similar incidents in the future.
FAQ
What happened to KJ Starkes Jr.?
KJ Starkes Jr. died after being left alone in a hot vehicle for nearly five hours while in DHR custody.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the 1500 block of Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham, Alabama.
What were the circumstances leading to KJ’s death?
KJ was supposed to have a supervised visit with his biological father after being picked up from daycare but was instead left unattended in the car.
Who was responsible for KJ’s care?
A contractor from Covenant Services, a third-party provider for DHR, was responsible for KJ’s supervision.
What is being done following this tragedy?
Birmingham police are investigating the circumstances of KJ’s death, and no charges have been filed as of now.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
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.
