Tragedy in Midfield: Bodies of 8-Year-Old Rashad Jackson and Cousin Stephon Gardner Recovered from Rock Quarry
BIRMINGHAM, AL — A somber cloud hung over the Midfield community this weekend after a fishing trip at a restricted rock quarry ended in unimaginable tragedy. The bodies of 8-year-old Rashad Jackson and his 26-year-old cousin, Stephon Gardner, were recovered after they both went missing Saturday evening in the waters of a deep quarry along Hartman Industrial Boulevard, near the Holcim Birmingham Slag Plant.
According to officials, Rashad and Stephon—both residents of Midfield—were enjoying a family outing when the young boy fell into the water. Gardner, acting on instinct, dove in to save him. Neither resurfaced.
The incident prompted a large-scale, multi-agency response involving the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS), Hoover Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and dive teams with advanced sonar equipment.
Search Efforts Hampered by Darkness but Never Stopped
Emergency crews were dispatched just after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, following a 911 call reporting a person had fallen into the quarry at the intersection of Bessemer Avenue and Myrtle Avenue. That location was later confirmed to be the industrial quarry site in Midfield.
By the time first responders arrived, both victims were already underwater. Eyewitnesses at the scene—some of whom reportedly attempted rescues—had left before law enforcement could collect statements.
BFRS Battalion Chief Clay Hendon confirmed that the quarry, a private property, has long been known for unauthorized recreational use despite clear safety risks. “This is not a safe place to swim or fish. The area is unmonitored, the water is extremely deep in places, and the ledges are steep and slippery,” Hendon said.
Dive operations paused late Saturday night due to unsafe conditions in the darkness, but sonar scans continued through the night. Around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, sonar detected a mass about 82 feet below the surface, directing divers to the likely recovery area.
Recovery and Heartbreak
The first breakthrough came early Sunday morning. At approximately 8:00 a.m., teams resumed diving operations, and the body of Rashad Jackson was recovered shortly after. Not long after that, the team recovered the remains of Stephon Gardner, bringing a heart-wrenching end to the search.
By 7:15 p.m., all active recovery had concluded, and law enforcement began securing the area and preparing for further investigation. Drone technology and sonar were instrumental in locating the bodies.
As the sun set on Sunday, dozens of family members and friends gathered near the site, holding one another and weeping openly as the final confirmations were made. Some had remained through the night, hopeful for a miracle that tragically never came.
A Community in Mourning
Midfield Mayor Gary Richardson extended his condolences on behalf of the city, identifying the victims and emphasizing the need for greater awareness of the dangers posed by the site.
“This is an unimaginable loss. Rashad was just a boy—full of life, loved deeply by his family and friends. Stephon was a devoted cousin who died a hero, trying to save him,” Richardson said. “We will do everything we can to support the family during this time and to work with property owners to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.”
According to Hendon, the quarry has steep ledges, with drops up to 10 feet into the water and sections where depth can reach over 30 feet. “Once you go under, visibility plummets, and it becomes a disorienting environment even for trained divers,” he said.
Investigation Underway
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drownings. Officials confirmed that while the quarry is private property and marked as off-limits, it has become a frequent site for fishing, swimming, and even diving, especially during summer months.
Authorities have not indicated whether any citations or charges will be issued for trespassing or safety violations.
The family, now grappling with the double tragedy, has asked for privacy as they begin funeral preparations. Friends of the family have already begun organizing vigils and community memorials to honor the lives of Rashad and Stephon.
A Hero’s Sacrifice, A Young Life Lost
What was supposed to be a peaceful day of fishing turned into a devastating loss for a family and an entire community. Stephon Gardner’s selfless act to rescue his young cousin will be remembered as the ultimate act of courage and love.
And Rashad Jackson, only 8 years old, leaves behind memories of a vibrant young soul who had his whole life ahead of him.
As the community mourns, the heartbreak lingers—but so does the call to improve safety and awareness at Midfield’s hidden yet hazardous waters. The hope now is that no other family will have to endure such pain at this site ever again.