The city of Birmingham, Alabama, is grappling with the loss of Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey, a 32-year-old trans woman who died while in custody at Birmingham City Jail on 11 June. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones and the broader LGBTQ+ community, who are now coming together to honor her memory and demand answers.
Croskey’s death has cast a spotlight on the conditions within the criminal justice system and the urgent need for mental health care reform. As the community rallies to celebrate her life, they are also calling for accountability and systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The life and legacy of Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey
Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey was a vibrant and beloved member of Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community. Known for her infectious laughter and joyful spirit, she brought light into every room she entered. Her love for Beyoncé, voguing, and makeup artistry was well-known among her friends and family, who remember her as a source of inspiration and happiness.
Croskey had been held at Birmingham City Jail since 21 April, facing charges including disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and third-degree assault. Despite the challenges she faced, she never allowed her struggles to define her. Her friends and family recall her resilience and the joy she found in the small moments of life.
A call for justice and systemic change
The death of Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey has sparked outrage and calls for justice. The TAKE Resource Center, a nonprofit organization that supports trans people of color, has been at the forefront of these efforts. In a heartfelt statement, the organization remembered Croskey as family and highlighted the systemic failures that led to her death.
‘This loss is not accidental,’ the statement read. ‘It is a tragic reminder of the failures within the carceral system. The lack of adequate mental health resources, combined with negligence and systemic shortcomings, continues to cost lives.’ The organization emphasized that incarceration should never lead to dehumanization and that Croskey deserved dignity, respect, compassion, and access to the care she needed.
The TAKE Resource Center is planning a memorial and balloon release for Croskey during its Juneteenth event on 20 June. The event aims to celebrate her life and bring the community together in a time of grief and solidarity.
The broader context of jail conditions and mental health care
Croskey’s death is not an isolated incident. Just three days after her passing, another person died in Birmingham City Jail shortly after being evaluated for a self-harm attempt. Both deaths are under investigation by the Birmingham Police Department, raising concerns about the deteriorating conditions within the facility.
In 2026, Birmingham City Jail faced a federal lawsuit on behalf of Angela Karen Langley Kimberly, an inmate who allegedly died of COVID-19 in her cell. The lawsuit highlighted the deplorable conditions within the jail, including a lack of medical care and unsanitary living conditions. These incidents underscore the urgent need for reform and improved mental health care within the criminal justice system.
As the community mourns the loss of Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey, they are also calling for systemic change to prevent such tragedies in the future. The memory of Croskey and others who have lost their lives in custody serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, dignity, and justice for all.
