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Urgent Call for Help: Birmingham Coroner’s Office Seeks Family Connections

Community members showing support outside the coroner's office.

News Summary

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office in Birmingham is urgently seeking the public’s help to locate the families of several recently deceased individuals. This heart-wrenching call to action highlights the importance of community support in ensuring that those who have passed away are laid to rest with dignity. Citizens with any information are encouraged to step forward and assist in connecting the deceased with their next of kin.

Urgent Call for Help in Birmingham: Coroner’s Office Seeks Family Connections

Hey there, Birmingham residents! We’ve got some important news coming out of the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. They’re reaching out to the community for assistance in finding the families of several recently deceased individuals. It’s a heart-tugging moment, and your help could make all the difference during this tough time.

Many of us can imagine what it would be like to lose a loved one. Now, imagine if that loved one had no one to turn to, no family to help them through the last rites. Sadly, this is the reality for several residents who recently passed away in our beautiful city. The coroner’s office is ready to lay these individuals to rest, but they need help notifying the next of kin. Let’s lend a hand!

Meet the Individuals Awaiting Family Connections

First up, we have Joseph Smith, an 80-year-old gentleman who passed away on December 30 after succumbing to natural causes at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center. His last known address was in the 5700 block of First Avenue South. If you recognize him or have any information about his family, it’s crucial to step forward!

Next is Brenda Joyce Curry, a 71-year-old woman who was found deceased in her apartment on January 14, located in the 2200 block of Highland Avenue. The cause of her death is still pending, although there were no signs of foul play.

Then we have Joseph Charles Oliver Jr., a 48-year-old male who also died of natural causes on January 11 at UAB Highlands. He had lived in various areas around Birmingham and Fultondale, and finding his family could bring some closure.

On December 14, Eddie Lee Davis, an 84-year-old resident of Birmingham, passed away at the Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He had previously lived in the 2600 block of 6th Avenue North. Every story matters, and his is no exception.

Cecil Dwight Watts was a 75-year-old who died on December 19 while at Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation. Unfortunately, no image is available, and he had previous addresses in Adamsville and Hoover. If you have any knowledge about this individual, please consider coming forward.

Another case involves Kevin Shane Vining, a 46-year-old who passed away under care at Princeton Baptist Medical Center on the same day as Cecil. His previous addresses include areas in both Montevallo and Birmingham. His loved ones may still be looking for him!

Then there’s Darrell Talton, a 48-year-old believed to have been homeless. He died at UAB Hospital, and information about his family is limited. Lastly, there’s Matthew Lee Gilmer, a 37-year-old homeless man found under the Elton B. Stephens Expressway bridge on July 26. The cause of his death remains pending with no evidence of trauma or foul play.

Also mentioned are Lee Campbell Lewis, a 56-year-old who died at Oak Knoll Health and Rehabilitation, and George Alton Walker, a 47-year-old found dead on a sidewalk. Both have a shared connection to our community, and their families may still be searching for answers.

How You Can Help

If you happen to know anything about the families of these individuals or can point the coroner’s office in the right direction, it’s time to act. Your insights could bring comfort to those who are grieving. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office by dialing 205-930-3603.

In moments like these, a little kindness goes a long way! Let’s come together as a community to support those who have passed and ensure they are laid to rest with the love and dignity they deserve.