Overview

• On June 5 the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 18-year-old Kierston Russell died in Tuscaloosa on June 4 after receiving the family’s permission to release the information.
• The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit says the investigation remains open, appears non-criminal, and officials have not released further details.
• A standout forward on Duncanville High School’s 2024 state-championship basketball team, Kierston had graduated last month and was set to attend the University of Alabama with her twin brother.
• Keelon Russell, a five-star freshman quarterback who switched his commitment from SMU to Alabama, shared condolences and photos on social media in the wake of his sister’s death.
• Family members have asked for privacy while the Crimson Tide community and former teammates honor Kierston’s life and achievements.