2 children die after being swept away in creek at nature preserve, authorities say

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - Two children died after drowning at a nature preserve in Alabama this weekend.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called to the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve on Saturday evening for reports of two young siblings who went underwater.

Palmerdale Fire Deputy Chief Richard Archer said two children were said to have been swept down the creek at a popular swimming spot for families at the preserve.

The children were between 7 and 11 years old, Archer noted.

“When we arrived on scene, we had two children who were missing. About a few minutes later, the children were pulled out by two bystanders and a deputy, not far from where they went in the water,” Archer said.

First responders immediately began performing life-saving measures before rushing them both to the hospital. Jefferson County authorities said Sunday morning the children did not survive.

The early investigation shows that the children were with their mother near the bank when they went underwater, authorities said.

“From time to time, we have situations where we are called in for water rescue at Turkey Creek, particularly in the falls area. With the summer coming up, be sure that you have an adequate number of people watching children who are in the water. Not saying that had anything to do with this, but if the water is deep, be sure you have flotation devices also, just to be safe,” Archer said.

The sheriff’s office said it is continuing to investigate.