Two Rural Baldwin County Deaths Less Than a Day Apart Under Investigation

CROSSROADS, Ala. — The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two rural Baldwin County deaths that occurred less than 24 hours apart, one in the Crossroads community and one in the Elberta area. Preliminary findings in the Crossroads case indicate the man died by suicide, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies, Baldwin County EMS and volunteer firefighters from the Crossroads and Whitehouse Forks fire departments were dispatched to a residence in the Crossroads community at about 4:40 p.m. A medical helicopter was also sent to the scene. When deputies arrived, they found that the man had died.

A sheriff’s office spokesperson said the preliminary assessment is that the death was self-inflicted, but that an investigation is being conducted

Less than a day earlier, another man died in a similar incident in the Elberta area of south Baldwin County.

Neither man has been publicly identified. The sheriff’s office has not released further details, and South Alabama News is not reporting additional information out of respect for the families.

Volunteer Firefighters Answer the Call

Both calls drew response from volunteer fire departments, which provide first response across much of rural Baldwin County. Volunteer firefighters are often among the first to arrive at medical emergencies in areas far from hospitals and paid stations, and they are frequently called to scenes that are difficult for the people who respond. Many departments and first responder organizations in the region offer peer support and counseling resources for their members after traumatic calls.

Help Is Available

Suicide is preventable, and help is available any time of day. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, giving away possessions, sudden changes in mood or behavior, and increased use of alcohol or drugs. Anyone who notices these signs in a friend or family member is encouraged to ask directly how the person is doing, listen without judgment, and help connect them with support.

Resources available to Baldwin County residents include:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is free and confidential.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
• Emergencies: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

AltaPointe Health, the community mental health provider serving Baldwin and Mobile counties, also offers crisis and outpatient behavioral health services.

Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide can find support groups and resources through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.