Law enforcement officials in Tuscaloosa, Alabama have confirmed the death of incoming University of Alabama freshman Kierston Russell.
Kierston is the twin sister of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who was a consensus top-two recruit in the Class of 2025 and the consensus No. 1 recruit in the state of Texas.
The siblings both recently graduated from Duncanville High School at the end of last month.
A statement from Tuscaloosa police officials confirmed Kierston’s identity after the family had given permission in an effort to quell inquiries from the media.
Police said her death ‘at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature’, that no other information would be released at this time, and asked that the media respect the privacy of the family.
DailyMail.com has contacted the University of Alabama and the school’s athletics department for comment on the matter.
Police have confirmed the death of incoming University of Alabama freshman Kierston Russell
Kierston is the twin sister of Keelon Russell (above), a freshman quarterback at Alabama
Kierston’s death is believed to be ‘non-criminal in nature’, according to Tuscaloosa police
Keelon posted a tribute to his sister on his Instagram story hours before the statement from law enforcement was released.
‘Dear God, Thank You that every good and pleasant gift is from above,’ Keelon’s post read.
‘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.’
Keelon re-posted a number of tributes to Kierston on his story as well.
Keelon enrolled at Alabama early and attended spring practice with the football team.
One of the top quarterbacks in his class, Keelon picked Alabama over offers from Baylor, Florida, Ole Miss, Oregon, UCLA, and Vanderbilt.
Keelon posted a prayer tribute to his twin sister on his Instagram story
Keelon, the top recruit in Texas, flipped his commitment from SMU to Alabama last summer
He also received multiple offers from schools in his home state, including Houston, SMU, TCU, and Texas A&M among others.
During the previous high school football season, Keelon won National Gatorade Player of the Year and the Maxwell High School Player of the Year awards.
He initially committed to SMU in September of 2023 before flipping his commitment to Alabama in June of 2024 – specifically citing the chance to work with incoming Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer.
Last season, the typically dominant Crimson Tide finished 9-4 in DeBoer’s first year since taking over from seven-time national champion Nick Saban.
