Who Were Tramaine and Jarad Pruitt? Birmingham, AL Victims in Deadly I-22 Crash

 JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — Authorities have confirmed that a second man died in a devastating crash on Interstate 22 early Sunday morning, bringing the total fatalities to two in what investigators describe as one of the most severe wrecks in recent months.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the second victim as Tramaine Quintell Pruitt, 45, of Birmingham. His death was confirmed after forensic teams conducted a more detailed examination of the wreckage and discovered an additional occupant inside the vehicle. Officials explained that extensive collision and thermal damage initially prevented responders from locating the second victim. Later, investigators were able to confirm his identity through dental comparison.

The first victim, Jarad Jawan Pruitt, 29, also of Birmingham, was pronounced dead at the scene near mile marker 91 close to Brookside. Family members confirmed to the coroner’s office that the two men were cousins, a revelation that deepened the tragedy for loved ones now mourning the loss of two relatives in the same incident.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:53 a.m. Sunday, when the Pruitts’ vehicle collided head‑on with an 18‑wheeler traveling along I‑22. The violent impact left the passenger vehicle engulfed in flames, complicating rescue efforts and making identification difficult. The driver of the tractor‑trailer sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries and was treated at the scene.

Emergency responders, including local police, firefighters, and medical personnel, worked for hours to secure the area, extinguish the fire, and begin the painstaking process of examining the wreckage. Investigators noted that the intensity of the collision and subsequent fire posed significant challenges in determining the full scope of the crash.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office emphasized the importance of thorough forensic work in cases like this, where damage to vehicles and victims can obscure critical details. The discovery of Tramaine Pruitt’s remains highlights the complexity of accident investigations and the need for careful, methodical examination even after initial findings are reported.

Community members in Birmingham and Jefferson County have expressed shock and grief over the deaths of Jarad and Tramaine. Friends and relatives described both men as deeply connected to their families and neighborhoods, and tributes have begun to appear across social media platforms. The sudden loss of two cousins in the same crash has left loved ones grappling with unimaginable sorrow.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including factors such as speed, roadway conditions, and potential driver impairment. While no official conclusions have been released, investigators are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.

For residents of Jefferson County, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of late‑night travel and the devastating consequences of head‑on collisions. Safety officials urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially on highways where large commercial vehicles share the road with passenger cars.

As the investigation moves forward, the focus remains on supporting the Pruitt family and ensuring that the circumstances of the crash are fully understood. For now, the community mourns the loss of Jarad Jawan Pruitt and Tramaine Quintell Pruitt, two lives cut short in a heartbreaking accident.

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