Twin Sister of College Football Player Dead Following High School Graduation

Kiersten Russell, the twin sister of Alabama Freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, has died, according to several media outlets. 

The Tuscaloosa Police Department confirmed the death of Kiersten on Wednesday, June 4 in a statement obtained by ESPN, AL.com and ABC 33/40. 

“The investigation is ongoing pursuant to the procedures mentioned above, and at this time appears to be non-criminal in nature,” police said in their statement, per AL.com. They added that “at this time no other information will be released.”

Police further told the outlet that its Violent Crimes Unit worked alongside the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, which conducts death investigations, during the “initial response,” “physical scene investigation,” and in “collecting family and witness information.”

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Police said that “some examples of non-criminal death investigations are: natural or medical deaths, death from accidents and suicides.”

The Tuscaloosa Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

On his Instagram Stories Keelon shared a photo of Kiersten and also re-shared messages of support from his community, family and friends. He also reshared a prayer for him and his family, asking that God give them “strength, peace and comfort,” per AL.com.

Over a post that read, “My deepest condolences are with you guys dearly. Losing a twin sister and daughter is a pain no one could ever imagine,” the football player also wrote four emojis of a hand in a heart formation, per ESPN.

The twins graduated together at the end of last month from Duncanville High School and were present during their graduation ceremony together, according to the outlet. She was scheduled to join him at the University of Alabama in August, ESPN further noted.

Kiersten played for the Duncanville High School female basketball team called the “Pantherettes.” The team shared a tribute to Kiersten on social media, writing, “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.”

As for Keelon, he enrolled at the University of Alabama early, according to ESPN, and had already participated in a spring practice with the team. The quarterback was ESPN’s No. 2 overall prospect of the 2025 season, the outlet also noted.