Tragic Birmingham Crash Claims Life of Cheryl Denise Irby, 54-Year-Old Center Point Woman Remembered for Her Kindness and Devotion to Family

BIRMINGHAM, AL  — June 9, 2025 — A fatal two-vehicle collision in Birmingham has claimed the life of a Center Point woman, prompting an outpouring of grief from loved ones and a continuing investigation by local authorities.

According to the Birmingham Police Department, the crash occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, at the intersection of 11th Court North and 42nd Place North, a heavily traveled area just northeast of the city center.

Emergency responders arrived on scene within minutes of the 911 calls reporting a serious accident involving two passenger vehicles. Upon arrival, officers and fire personnel discovered extensive damage to both vehicles, with one driver, later identified as 54-year-old Cheryl Denise Irby of Center Point, found unresponsive inside her car.

Firefighters worked swiftly to extricate Irby from the wreckage while paramedics began emergency resuscitation efforts. She was transported to a nearby hospital, but sadly, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead a short time later.

The second driver, whose identity has not been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of the collision, but preliminary reports suggest that one vehicle may have failed to yield while turning through the intersection.

An Ongoing Investigation

Birmingham Police confirmed that the Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the fatal crash. Officers are reviewing traffic camera footage and speaking with witnesses in an effort to reconstruct the events that led to the deadly impact.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand what happened and to determine if any charges will be filed,” said a Birmingham Police spokesperson. “Our hearts go out to the family of Ms. Irby during this difficult time.”

The intersection where the crash occurred has seen several traffic-related incidents in the past, raising questions from community members about signage visibility and traffic control in the area. While no mechanical issues have yet been reported, investigators are not ruling out speed or driver error as contributing factors.

Remembering Cheryl Denise Irby

The victim, Cheryl Denise Irby, was a longtime resident of Center Point and is being remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Family members describe her as a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.

“She was the kind of person who showed up — for birthdays, graduations, and when you just needed to talk,” said her niece, LaTasha Irby. “This wasn’t just a traffic accident — this was the loss of someone who meant the world to us.”

Friends have also taken to social media to share their condolences and memories, many posting photos of Irby with her grandchildren, at family gatherings, and in her garden — one of her favorite pastimes.

A candlelight vigil is being organized by the family and will take place this Wednesday evening at Center Point City Park, where loved ones and community members will gather to honor Cheryl’s life and legacy. Organizers are encouraging attendees to wear purple — her favorite color — in tribute.

Community Response and Support

The tragic crash has reignited local conversations about road safety and infrastructure in Birmingham’s residential corridors. Residents in the area say visibility is poor at certain intersections and that increased patrols or signal upgrades are long overdue.

“We need to make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else,” said Pastor Reggie Moore, a local faith leader and friend of the Irby family. “Losing Cheryl has left a hole in our hearts, but if her passing can bring about change, maybe some good can come from this tragedy.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the Irby family with funeral expenses, and donations have already begun pouring in. The family says they are grateful for the community’s support and ask for continued prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking time.

Anyone with additional information about the crash is urged to contact the Birmingham Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit at (205) 254-6555.

As the investigation continues, one truth remains certain: Cheryl Denise Irby’s life touched many, and her memory will not soon be forgotten.