BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A tragic crash on Interstate 22 claimed the lives of two Birmingham cousins early Sunday morning, ending a frantic search by family members who reported them missing over the weekend. Authorities confirmed the deaths of Jarad “JP” Pruitt, 29, and Tramaine Pruitt, 45, following a head-on collision with a commercial truck.

According to officials, the cousins were last seen around 2 a.m. Sunday, February 1, 2026, leaving a lounge in Birmingham. When they failed to return home, family members launched a worried search that ended with devastating news. The crash occurred shortly before 3 a.m. near mile marker 91 in Brookside along I-22.

Investigators said the cousins’ pickup truck collided head-on with an 18-wheeler, resulting in a fiery crash. Initial reports indicated that only one person inside the pickup truck had been killed due to the severity of the collision and the extensive fire damage. However, further examination revealed two victims inside the vehicle.

Emergency responders from the Forestdale Fire District and local law enforcement worked at the scene, which involved significant thermal damage and debris. Authorities have not released details regarding the driver of the 18-wheeler or the cause of the crash but confirmed the victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members shared a statement on social media Tuesday night, saying: “While our hearts are broke, we find comfort in knowing that God is near to the brokenhearted and that Tramaine and Jarad are now resting. We thank everyone for the calls, messages, prayers and support — your love means more to our family than words can express, and we truly appreciate you all.”

The crash remains under investigation by law enforcement. Officials urge anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the collision to contact local authorities. The Birmingham community continues to mourn the loss of the two cousins, whose lives were cut tragically short in the early hours of Sunday morning.