Kierston Russell, the twin sister of University of Alabama freshman quarterback and top recruit Keelon Russell, has died at the age of, just days after the siblings graduated from Duncanville High School in Texas and prepared to start their college journey together.
Authorities in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, confirmed Kierston’s death on June, 2025. The Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit stated the investigation is ongoing but emphasized that her passing “appears to be non-criminal in nature.” No further details about the circumstances have been released, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Kierston was a standout athlete, playing for her high school’s girls basketball team, while Keelon earned national attention as a five-star quarterback recruit, ranked No. in the 2025 class. Both were set to join the University of Alabama this summer, with Keelon already enrolled and participating in spring football practices.
Their mother, April Moore, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “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. 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”.
The sudden loss has left the Alabama and Duncanville communities in mourning, with tributes pouring in for Kierston’s memory and support for the Russell family continuing to grow.
