A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken a local community after 3-year-old Ketorrius “KJ” Starks Jr. died Tuesday from heat exposure after being left inside a parked car for over five hours by a contracted driver working with Alabama’s Department of Human Resources (DHR).
According to the Jefferson County Coroner, the toddler was discovered unresponsive in a vehicle that had been left in a driveway with its windows rolled up. The devastating mistake occurred after a court-ordered visitation with his father, facilitated by a private transportation contractor hired by the DHR.
Officials confirmed that KJ was picked up from daycare by a transport driver and taken to the DHR office in Bessemer for the visit. However, following the appointment, he was never returned to his daycare or foster home. Instead, the driver reportedly went shopping for groceries and tobacco, then drove home… forgetting the young boy was still inside the car.
With outside temperatures climbing into the high 90s and a heat index pushing 108°F, experts estimate the interior of the car may have reached a deadly 150°F. KJ was left alone inside the vehicle from approximately 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., and was pronounced dead shortly after 6 p.m.
“This is a gut-wrenching and preventable loss,” said Courtney French, attorney for the child’s devastated family. “No parent should have to endure this nightmare.”
KJ’s mother and aunt, Brittney Debruce, were frantically searching when they realized he hadn’t been returned to daycare. Their worst fears were confirmed when police and family located the child still in the car.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” Debruce said. “We just want answers.”
Alabama DHR acknowledged the incident in a statement, confirming that the driver involved was employed by one of their contracted providers… The Covenant Services… who has since terminated the employee. Due to confidentiality laws, DHR stated it could not provide additional information.
The Birmingham Police Department has launched a full investigation into the incident.
KJ’s parents released a grief-stricken statement: “Our baby should be alive. This is our worst nightmare come true.”
