Birmingham, Alabama – June 22, 2025 A disastrous discovery has come to a tragic end in midfield as authorities confirmed the recovery of two family members who disappeared on Saturday while fishing in a private rock mine. The victims have been identified as 8 -year -old Rashad Jackson and his 26 -year -old cousin, Stephen Gardner, both as residents of Midfield.
According to officials, Rashad and Stephen were fishing in the mine located with 1550 Heartman Industrial Bulleward, near Holsim Birmingham Slag Plant, when the child fell into deep water. In a desperate and courageous attempt to save his little cousin, Gardner then jumped – but sadly, neither of them were revived.
Emergency services were alerted for the first time on Saturday at 5:04 pm, with reporting the original call, a person fell into the water near Besmer Avenue and Martal Avenue. The location was later updated on the midfield industrial site, which is a private property, but has become a known place for unauthorized entertainment.
Several agencies responded to the call, including the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS), the dive team of the Hoover Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff Office. Due to night and difficult situations, divers were forced to stop physical operation on Saturday evening, although Sonar boats continued to scan the mine overnight.
At 2:30 pm on Sunday, Sonar detected a possible target at a depth of 82 feet, focusing renewed from the recovery team. By midmourning, both BFR and law enforcement dive teams resumed their discovery, and by Sunday afternoon, both bodies were located and recovered.
Midfield Mayor Gary Richardson confirmed the heart -wrenching news, expressed condolences to the grieving family and accepted the tremendous efforts of all emergency personnel involved.
“There are no words for such disadvantages,” said Mayor Richardson. “Our hearts are broken for this family and our community.”
BFRS Battalion chief Clay Handon provided further details, stating that some witnesses initially stayed at the scene and tried to help, but left before the police arrived. He also described the physical hazards of the mine, where the edge declines and the depth of the water can be more than 30 feet. The visibility is severely limited just below the surface, complicating the rescue efforts.
Family members and loved ones gathered at the scene throughout the discovery, clinging to Asha and then converting together to recovery from operation rescue. Many people stood up with tears with the circumference as the divers tried tirelessly to bring their loved ones home.
Droning has inspired renewed anxiety over the dangers of entering private, irregular mines water – areas that often deficient security measures, lifeguards, or clear signage, yet often are often accessed for entertainment.
The circumstances around the incident are under investigation. Officials are also reviewing whether additional safety measures or enforcement strategies can prevent further tragedies on the site.
For now, a community is left unhappy to two people, which was lost very soon – a small child with his whole future, and the other a cousin who acted without any hesitation in an attempt to save him. His story is a painful reminder of both risks arising from hidden threats and the depth of love and sacrifice found in the family.