Authorities are investigating after two children were pulled from the water at a popular family swimming area and later died.
PINSON, Ala. — Two young siblings died after they were swept underwater in a creek at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve on Saturday afternoon, despite rescue efforts by bystanders, a sheriff’s deputy and emergency responders, authorities said.
The deaths shocked visitors and local residents as the preserve entered the start of the summer recreation season. Investigators with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are reviewing what happened after the children, a boy and a girl between the ages of 7 and 11, reportedly went underwater while near the creek with their mother. Emergency crews reached the scene quickly, but both children later died after being transported to a hospital.
Authorities said first responders were dispatched to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Jefferson County on Saturday evening after reports that two children had disappeared beneath the water. Early findings indicate the siblings were near the creek bank with their mother when they were swept away by the current. According to emergency officials, the area where the incident occurred is a well-known swimming spot that attracts families during warm weather. Palmerdale Fire Deputy Chief Richard Archer said rescuers initially arrived to find the children missing. Within minutes, two bystanders and a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office located the children and pulled them from the creek. Rescue personnel immediately began CPR and other life-saving efforts before both children were rushed to a local hospital. Authorities confirmed Sunday morning that neither child survived.
Officials have not publicly released the names of the children. Investigators have also not disclosed how long the siblings were underwater before they were found or whether weather, water conditions or other factors contributed to the tragedy. Archer said responders recovered the children not far from the location where they entered the water. Witness accounts and physical evidence from the scene are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have emphasized that many questions remain unanswered. Emergency personnel from several agencies responded to the preserve, and officials praised the actions of the bystanders and deputy who entered the rescue effort. While those actions allowed the children to be recovered quickly, the medical emergency proved fatal. The sheriff’s office has not indicated whether additional findings will be released in the coming days.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a popular outdoor destination northeast of Birmingham and is known for swimming, hiking and access to natural waterways. The preserve regularly draws families, particularly during late spring and summer when temperatures rise across Alabama. Water rescue incidents are not unheard of in creeks and rivers throughout the region, especially after periods of rain or when currents become stronger than they appear from shore. Archer noted that emergency crews have previously responded to water-related calls at Turkey Creek, particularly around areas near the falls. Such locations can create changing currents, uneven depths and other hazards that may not be immediately visible to visitors. Outdoor safety experts frequently note that creeks can become dangerous even when water appears calm at the surface because underwater currents, rocks and sudden drop-offs can affect swimmers and waders.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active. Detectives are expected to continue gathering witness statements and reviewing evidence from the scene before determining the exact sequence of events. Officials have not announced a timeline for releasing a final investigative report. The deaths do not appear to involve criminal allegations based on information released so far, but authorities said all circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined. Jefferson County Greenways, the organization responsible for the preservation and care of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, announced that the preserve would remain closed on Sunday following the tragedy. The closure allowed investigators to complete their work while giving staff and community members time to respond to the incident. Future reopening plans are expected to be announced separately.
Expressions of grief spread quickly across the local community after news of the children’s deaths became public. In a statement, Jefferson County Greenways said it wanted to extend its “deepest sympathy” to the family, friends and others affected by the loss. The organization also thanked first responders and emergency personnel who participated in the rescue effort. Visitors familiar with the preserve described it as a place where families often gather to cool off during Alabama’s hot months, making the incident particularly difficult for many residents. The tragedy also highlighted the emotional toll such emergencies can have on rescuers and witnesses. Emergency workers, law enforcement officers and community members were all involved in efforts to locate and save the children during the critical moments after they disappeared beneath the water.
As of Sunday, authorities had confirmed the deaths of the two siblings and continued to investigate exactly what occurred in the creek. Officials have not announced when additional findings may be released, but the sheriff’s office said the inquiry remains ongoing.
Author note: Last updated June 1, 2026.