A tragic incident in Birmingham, Alabama, has left a family heartbroken after a toddler, Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr., died from being left in a hot car for hours. The 3-year-old, who was in foster care, was being transported by a Department of Human Resources (DHR) contractor to a visit with his father when the contractor allegedly forgot he was in the vehicle. This heartbreaking event has raised questions about responsibility and the safety of children in the foster care system.
The Tragic Incident
Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr., a toddler in foster care, was left inside a hot car for five hours in the middle of the day when temperatures soared to triple digits. According to police reports, the contractor from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) had been tasked with transporting the child to a visit with his biological father. However, after dropping the child off for the supervised visit, the contractor allegedly forgot about the toddler and left him in the car while running errands.
After the contractor returned to their own residence, the toddler remained in the hot vehicle for five hours, which tragically led to his death. Birmingham police Sgt. Laquitta Wade confirmed the incident and called it an accident, stating that the contractor had simply “forgotten” the child was still in the vehicle.
The Aftermath and Investigation
Following the incident, the DHR contractor was terminated, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death is ongoing. Sgt. Wade mentioned that the contractor has been cooperative with law enforcement during the investigation. However, the final decision on whether charges will be filed will be made by prosecutors.
Ke’Torrius’ family lawyer, Courtney French, expressed the profound grief of the child’s parents, stating, “Had he been with his parents, nothing like this would have ever occurred.” The family’s lawyer also revealed that the contractor was supposed to take Ke’Torrius to daycare after the visit with his father but instead went shopping and left the toddler in the car.
The Heartbreak of the Family
The parents of Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr. have been left devastated by the loss of their child, describing the incident as their “worst nightmare.” In a statement shared by their lawyer, the parents said, “Our baby should be alive.” The family is mourning the loss of a young life, and the incident has highlighted the tragic consequences of neglectful actions.
Department of Human Resources’ Response
The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has acknowledged the severity of the situation, confirming that the contractor involved has been terminated. The department has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in its care, and this tragedy has led to increased scrutiny of the foster care system’s procedures.
The DHR also reiterated its stance on child safety, emphasizing that such incidents must never occur. It’s a devastating reminder of the importance of vigilant care and responsibility when handling vulnerable children.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities will determine whether the contractor faces criminal charges, while the family of Ke’Torrius grapples with the loss of their son. This tragedy serves as a call to action for all involved in child care to remain alert and focused on the safety of the children in their care.
The family has said they will continue to seek justice for Ke’Torrius and to ensure that something like this never happens again to another child.
The tragic death of Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr., a young child left in a hot car for hours, is a heartbreaking reminder of the responsibility caregivers have toward vulnerable children. The contractor’s “forgetfulness” led to a devastating loss, and the investigation will determine the next steps. As the family mourns, the community and authorities must ensure such preventable tragedies never occur again.
