Kierston Russell, the twin sister of Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, died on Wednesday at the age of 18, the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit announced on Thursday.
“The investigation is ongoing … and, at this time, appears to be non-criminal in nature,” Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit said in a statement. “Therefore, at this time, no other information will be released. We ask that the media respect the privacy of the family during this time.”
The family gave police officials permission to confirm Russell’s death. The siblings went through graduation ceremonies last month at Duncanville (Texas) High School. They were to attend the University of Alabama together.
Keelon Russell, who enrolled early and participated in spring practice, reposted a message on his Instagram account which read: “My deepest condolences are with you guys dearly. Losing a twin sister and daughter is a pain no one could ever imagine.”
Kierston Russell was part of Duncanville’s 2024 state-championship-winning girls basketball team.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 192 pounds, Keelon Russell was listed as a five-star prospect by the 247Sports composite rankings, the No. 2 player and quarterback in the country and No. 1 player in Texas for the Class of 2025.
He initially committed to SMU in his native Texas before switching to Alabama and new head coach Kalen DeBoer on June 4, 2024. Duncanville won state 6A Division 1 UIL championships in 2022 and 2023. Russell was the national Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2024 for athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.
–Field Level Media
