Child perishes in sweltering vehicle under state supervision in Alabama
Tragic Death of 3-Year-Old K.J. Starkes Jr. in Hot Car Incident
A heartbreaking incident has unfolded in Birmingham, Alabama, where 3-year-old Ke'Torrius "K.J." Starkes Jr. lost his life after being left in a hot car for several hours during the middle of the day. The incident is currently under investigation by the Birmingham Police Department and the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The tragedy occurred on a Tuesday afternoon while K.J. was under the custody of a worker contracted by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), the state's child protective services agency. The worker, who was not a direct DHR employee, was fired following the child's death.
The incident took place during a state-supervised visit, and K.J. was picked up from day care at 9 a.m. for this visit with his father, which ended around 11:30 a.m. Instead of returning K.J. to day care immediately after the visit, the worker made numerous personal errands with the child still in the car. The employee went home at 12:30 p.m., leaving K.J. strapped inside the vehicle for more than five hours.
The day care reached out to the employee to ask why K.J. hadn't returned, and it was only then that the employee realized K.J. was still in the vehicle. K.J. was pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m. according to the medical examiner's office.
The temperature during the time K.J. was left alone in the car ranged from 93 to 96 degrees, and heat index values ranged from 101 to 105 degrees. This incident is noted as the first hot car death in Alabama in 2025 and the 16th nationwide.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources' contract provider has terminated the employee involved in the incident. The department stated that the incident occurred while K.J. was being transported by a contract provider.
The family remembers K.J. Starkes as a joyful and brilliant child who loved life. K.J.'s father described him as a bright little child who knew how to count, knew his colors, and knew all the animals.
As of now, official information about any criminal charges filed against the worker or others has not been confirmed. The investigation continues, and updates regarding charges or legal proceedings may emerge as authorities conclude their inquiries.
A balloon release and memorial in support of K.J.'s family are planned for Friday. Nationwide, at least 16 children have died in hot cars in 2025, according to Amber Rollins, the director of Kids and Car Safety.
Our thoughts are with K.J.'s family and friends during this difficult time.
- In the wake of K.J. Starkes Jr.'s tragic demise, the general news is filled with discussions surrounding child safety, particularly concerning car-accidents and hot car incidents, which account for at least 16 deaths nationwide in 2025, as per Kids and Car Safety.
- As a result of the unfortunate incident involving K.J., health-and-wellness advocates are raising awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and practicing caution not only in case of accidents but also in everyday situations.
