Two children drowned at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson.
At approximately 4:02 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, deputies with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Palmerdale Fire and Rescue responded to 3906 Turkey Creek Road after receiving reports that two siblings had gone underwater in Turkey Creek.
Palmerdale Fire Deputy Chief Richard Archer said officials were called to the preserve, a popular swimming destination for families, after receiving reports that two children had been swept away by the creek and could not be located.
According to Archer, the children were between 7 and 11 years old.
“When we arrived on scene, we had two children that were missing. About 10 – 2 minutes after arrival the children were, from what I understand, they were pulled out by two bystanders and a deputy, not far from where they went in the water,” Archer explained.
Archer said first responders immediately began life-saving efforts before transporting both children to Children’s of Alabama. Later information from the sheriff’s office indicated they were taken to UAB.
On the morning of Sunday, May 31, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced that both children had died at the hospital. Preliminary findings indicate the children were with their mother near the creek bank when they went underwater.
“From time to time we have situations where we are called in for water rescue at Turkey Creek, particularly in the Falls area. With the summer coming up, be sure that you have an adequate number of people watching children that are in the water. Not saying that had anything to do with this, but if the water is deep, be sure you have flotation devices also, just to be safe,” stated Archer.
Jefferson County Greenways, the organization responsible for the preservation and care of Turkey Creek, said the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve would be closed on Sunday, May 31, out of respect for those affected and to give staff time to process the tragedy.
The Jefferson County Greenways community is mourning the tragic loss of life that occurred at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve yesterday. We want to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.
We also want to thank the first responders and emergency personnel for their tireless efforts during the response.
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