Alabama freshman Keelon Russell has lost his sister just days after their high school graduation. Tuscaloosa Police have confirmed that Kierston Russell, Keelon’s twin sister, has died, though the cause of death remains a mystery.
Kierston was 18 years old.
“There has been considerable media attention concerning a death investigation that occurred (in Tuscaloosa) on June 4, 2025,” Captain Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit said in a statement, per Tuscaloosa News.
🤍 Pantherette Forever 🤍
— Duncanville Pantherettes 🏀 (@PantherettesBB) June 5, 2025
With shattered hearts, we mourn the loss of our sister & teammate, Kierston Russell.
A fierce competitor with a heart of gold -her light, love & legacy will live on.
We love you, KRuss. Always. 🕊️
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” Psalm 34:18 pic.twitter.com/BU9dTC4Tcb
“After speaking with the family, and in an attempt to quell media inquiries, they have given permission to confirm the death of Kierston Russell,” he added.
Kennedy did note that the sheriff’s office does not suspect foul play, but no other information would be relayed for the time being.
“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.”
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Kierston Russell Was Also Set For A College Career At Alabama
Kierston Russell played basketball for Duncanville High School in Texas and, according to ESPN, was supposed to join her brother at Alabama later this year.
Keelon Russell, meanwhile, had enrolled early and participated in Crimson Tide spring training.
He shared photos of the two of them together to his Instagram Stories on Thursday, along with a prayer.
“Dear god, Thank You that every good and pleasant gift is from above. 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
A five-star recruit, Keelon had offers from Baylor, Ole Miss, UCLA, Florida, Oregon, and Vanderbilt, but ultimately picked Alabama. He and his sister graduated at the end of May.
So good.
— Brett Greenberg (@BrettGreenberg_) May 30, 2025
Twins Keelon & Kierston Russell enjoying themselves during @Duncanville_HS graduation — staying together at Alabama.
🎥 @4QRecovery IG pic.twitter.com/o3fR4CKhHE
Kierston’s basketball team has also made a statement in the wake of her tragic passing.
“With shattered hearts, we mourn the loss of our sister & teammate, Kierston Russell,” it reads. “A fierce competitor with a heart of gold – her light, love & legacy will live on. We love you, KRuss. Always.”
We at TPS extend our deepest condolences to Keelon and the rest of his family. Our hearts go out to their friends and loved ones amid this painful period.
May she rest in peace.
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