Birmingham, Alabama – What began as a peaceful outing turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Saturday, June 22, when 8-year-old Rashad Jackson and his 26-year-old cousin Stephen Gardner drowned at a private rock quarry in Midfield. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that both bodies have been recovered from the site, located near the Holcim Birmingham Slag Plant on 1550 Hartman Industrial Boulevard.
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Fishing Trip Turns Fatal at Private Quarry
According to officials, Rashad and Stephen were fishing near the water’s edge when the young boy accidentally fell into the quarry’s deep waters. In a courageous effort to save his cousin, Gardner jumped in after him—but tragically, neither survived the plunge.
Emergency crews were first notified around 5:04 PM on Saturday, when a caller reported a person had fallen into the water near Bessemer Avenue and Martal Avenue. The incident was later confirmed to have taken place at a restricted, privately owned industrial site—an area known for unauthorized recreational use.
Recovery Operation Led by Multiple Agencies
Several emergency units quickly responded, including:
- Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS)
- Hoover Police Department’s Dive Team
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Due to nightfall and low visibility, divers had to suspend operations Saturday night. However, sonar scans of the mine continued overnight.
At 2:30 PM Sunday, sonar equipment picked up a likely target at a depth of 82 feet. By mid-morning, divers resumed the search, and by the afternoon, both Rashad and Stephen’s bodies were successfully recovered.
Midfield Mayor and Community Express Grief
Midfield Mayor Gary Richardson confirmed the devastating loss and offered condolences to the grieving family:
“There are no words for such a tragedy. Our hearts are broken for this family and for our entire community,” said Mayor Richardson.
BFRS Battalion Chief Clay Handon shared further insights, explaining that several bystanders initially tried to assist before police arrived but later left the scene. He noted the hazards of the site, including sudden drop-offs and water depths exceeding 30 feet—conditions that complicated the rescue operation. Visibility below the surface was extremely poor, even just a few feet underwater.
Community Gathers in Support During Recovery
Family, friends, and community members remained at the scene throughout the search, holding onto hope until the final recovery. Many were seen in tears, clinging to each other as divers worked tirelessly to bring closure to a devastating situation.
Tragedy Sparks Concern Over Unsafe Quarry Access
This incident has renewed public concern over the dangers of entering restricted rock quarries for recreational purposes. These sites often lack safety signage, barriers, or lifeguards, making them particularly hazardous—especially to children and teens.
Officials have announced that the incident remains under investigation, and that authorities are considering whether additional safety measures or enforcement policies should be implemented to prevent future tragedies.
A Painful Reminder of Love and Sacrifice
This tragedy is not only a stark reminder of the hidden dangers posed by unauthorized swimming and fishing in private quarries, but also a powerful testament to the love shared within families. Stephen Gardner’s final act of bravery—diving into the water in an attempt to save his young cousin—highlights the selflessness that often accompanies such heartbreaking stories.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
As the Midfield community grieves the loss of Rashad Jackson and Stephen Gardner, it also reflects on the importance of safety, awareness, and preventative action. Their story is a painful but poignant reminder of how quickly life can change—and how deeply we are connected by acts of love, even in the face of tragedy.
Rest in peace, Rashad and Stephen. Your lives, though cut short, have left a lasting mark on the hearts of all who knew you.