April Moore, the mother of Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, released a statement Friday on social media about the death of her daughter, Kierston Russell.
Kierston Russell, the twin sister of the Alabama quarterback, died Wednesday in Tuscaloosa.
“As a family we are absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude at the outpouring of thoughts, prayers and messages we have received from family, friends, the University of Alabama, Duncanville High School and people all across the country this week,” Moore wrote. “There is no way we can respond to them all but please know we see and feel all of your love and support. These are words a mother never imagines having to write about their child in a lifetime. I know I will never truly be whole again.
“Kierston, you were a true angel from God and the only thought that is providing me with any peace and strength in this moment is knowing that you are resting with him now. For 18 years, I have been a witness to your shining light on everyone you met and in everything you did. My love for you cannot be measured, it is infinite and it will always be a part of me. Thank you, God, for choosing me to be her mother, I will spend every day for the rest of my life honoring her legacy in everything I do.”
The Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit announced Kierston Russell’s death Thursday on behalf of the family.
“The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature,” a statement from captain Jack Kennedy read. “Therefore, at this time no other information will be released.”
The Tuscaloosa VCU handled the death investigation alongside the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences because Tuscaloosa County does not have an elected coroner, Kennedy wrote.
“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,” Kennedy wrote. “Some examples of non-criminal death investigations are: natural or medical deaths, death from accidents, and suicides.
Keelon Russell is a freshman quarterback on the Alabama football roster who enrolled early this spring.
He 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.
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