PINSON, Ala. — Two children died Saturday after a drowning incident at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, according to authorities and local television reports.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths after the children were taken to Children’s of Alabama, WBRC reported. ABC 33/40 reported that a preliminary investigation indicated the children were with their mother near the creek bank when they went underwater.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a popular North Jefferson County destination with a fast-moving stream, rapids and falls, according to preserve and trail information. The preserve’s history dates to prehistoric Native American inhabitants and later industrial use tied to early Alabama settlement.
The incident renewed attention on water safety as summer recreation begins across Alabama. The Alabama Department of Public Health advises never allowing children to swim without adult supervision and using life jackets or personal flotation devices around open water. Alabama safety guidance also says swimmers should never swim alone and should enter shallow water feet first rather than diving.