In Birmingham, Alabama, a city already scarred by loss, the weekend brought fresh sorrow with the deaths of two residents in separate traffic accidents. Cheryl Denise Irby, 54, and Isaac L. Summers, 45, were identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as the victims of these devastating incidents, each leaving behind a trail of grief for families and a community all too familiar with tragedy. For Irby’s family, the pain is compounded by a haunting history of loss, as they now mourn a woman who had already endured the unthinkable.
The first incident occurred late Saturday night, just before 11 p.m., in the 2700 block of Ensley Five Points West Avenue. Isaac L. Summers was behind the wheel when his vehicle collided with a tree that had fallen across the roadway, likely toppled by stormy weather that had swept through the area earlier that evening. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but Summers was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:52 p.m. The crash, sudden and violent, underscores the dangers of unpredictable road conditions, particularly during Alabama’s often turbulent spring weather. Authorities have not released further details about Summers or the circumstances leading up to the accident, but the investigation remains active as they work to piece together the events of that night.
Less than 24 hours later, tragedy struck again in Birmingham’s Kingston community. At 2:14 p.m. on Sunday, a multi-vehicle collision claimed the life of Cheryl Denise Irby. The crash, which occurred in broad daylight, sent Irby to UAB Hospital, where medical staff fought to save her. Despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at 3:09 p.m. The Birmingham Police Department has yet to release specifics about the collision, including the number of vehicles involved or the factors that may have contributed to the accident. Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that might shed light on the incident, as the community grapples with the loss of yet another life.
For Irby’s family, this loss is a cruel echo of a past tragedy. Nearly eight years ago, in August 2017, Irby’s two-year-old grandson, Ron’Narius “Duke” Austin, was killed in a shooting in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. The toddler was in a car with his parents and another man when gunfire erupted, striking Duke, his mother, and the other passenger. His father, also in the vehicle, escaped physical injury but was left to bear the emotional weight of the loss. Irby, speaking to reporters at the time, shared the gut-wrenching details of rushing to Children’s of Alabama, where she stayed by Duke’s side until his final moments. “I kissed him and told him I loved him, but it was too late,” she said, her words capturing a grandmother’s heartbreak. “I was there when he was born, and I was there when he died. It’s devastating.” The shooting, which led to the arrests of four suspects, left an indelible mark on Irby and her family, a wound reopened by her own untimely death.
The Birmingham community now mourns alongside Irby’s loved ones, many of whom are still haunted by the memory of Duke’s death. Friends and neighbors have begun sharing tributes, describing Irby as a woman of resilience and warmth, someone who carried her pain quietly but never let it dim her compassion. Summers, too, is remembered by those who knew him, though details about his life remain private as his family processes their loss.
These incidents add to a sobering tally of traffic fatalities in Jefferson County, where road safety remains a pressing concern. Birmingham has seen a series of deadly crashes in recent years, often linked to factors like severe weather, distracted driving, or high speeds. The fallen tree in Summers’ crash highlights the hazards posed by Alabama’s unpredictable weather, while the multi-vehicle collision that claimed Irby’s life raises questions about road safety and driver awareness in busy urban areas like Kingston. Local authorities continue to urge vigilance, reminding drivers to stay alert and adapt to changing conditions.
As investigations into both crashes continue, the Birmingham Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office are calling on witnesses to come forward with any information that could provide clarity. For now, the city holds its breath, mourning two lives lost and grappling with the ripple effects of grief that extend far beyond the crash sites. For Irby’s family, the pain of losing her is intertwined with the memory of a little boy taken too soon, a reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow on the roads and streets of Birmingham. The community, in turn, is left to reflect on the fragility of life and the enduring strength of those left behind.
