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Alabama Contract Worker Fired After Foster Toddler Dies in Hot Car

This tragedy has renewed scrutiny of foster care transport protocols

Overview

  • Birmingham police have opened a criminal investigation into Ke’Torrius Starks Jr.’s death and are exploring possible charges against the fired contractor.
  • The DHR-contracted driver allegedly ran personal errands, including grocery and tobacco stops, rather than returning him to daycare after a supervised visit with his father.
  • Ke’Torrius was trapped for about five hours inside a closed car on Pine Tree Drive with interior temperatures estimated to exceed 150°F, according to the coroner’s office.
  • His death is Alabama’s first pediatric hot-car fatality of 2025 and the 16th nationwide, reflecting a rising trend in child heatstroke deaths.
  • Family attorney Courtney French and state senator Merika Coleman have called for legislative action and tighter safeguards in foster care transport services.