Kiersten Russell, the twin sister of Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, died Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit announced in a release Thursday.
“After speaking with the family, and in an attempt to quell media inquiries, they have given permission to confirm the death of Kiersten Russell (Sister of Keelon Russell),” a statement from captain Jack Kennedy read.
“The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature. Therefore, at this time no other information will be released.”
Keelon Russell is a freshman quarterback on the Alabama football roster who enrolled early.
The statement from Kennedy also explained why Tuscaloosa VCU handled the death investigation.
“Death investigations are conducted by Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences,” Kennedy wrote. “The Violent Crimes Unit works alongside ADFS on these cases, conducting initial response, physical scene investigation, and collecting family and witness information.
“If no evidence is found of a criminal act, then VCU works as a liaison between ADFS and the family until the death investigation is included. Some examples of non-criminal death investigations are: natural or medical deaths, death from accidents, and suicides.”
Keelon Russell, a native of Duncanville, Texas, re-posted a number of stories on his Instagram page over the past day of people offering him their support.
One person shared a prayer for Russell and his family, asking that God give him “strength, peace and comfort.”
“I can’t imagine the pain you are going through right now, just know that God is close to the brokenhearted,” another person posted. "
In addition to all those re-posts Keelon Russell shared, he also posted a prayer to his Instagram story Thursday.
“Dear God, Thank you that every good and pleasant gift is from above,” Russell wrote.
“You are the source of every blessing in my life-my health, my work, my relationships, and the strength to face each day. Even my ability to work and create comes from You. I acknowledge that all I have is a gift from Your generous hand. As James 1:17 says, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ You are faithful, and I am grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.”Russell was the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class per the 247Sports Composite. He flipped from SMU to UA with Nick Sheridan, the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, leading the way in his recruitment.
