The transgender community in Birmingham, Alabama is deeply mourning the loss of Kalena “Peaches” Croskeya 32-year-old Black trans woman who tragically died last Thursday while in custody at the Birmingham City Jail.
Peaches, as she was affectionately known, was a beacon of joy and resilience. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her friends, family, and the broader community she touched with her vibrant spirit.
Celebrating a life filled with joy and resilience
The TAKE Resource Centera nonprofit dedicated to supporting trans people of color, shared a heartfelt tribute to Peaches on their Substack platform this week. They described her as more than just a community member; she was family.
“She was family,” the organization wrote in a June 15 post. “She brought light, laughter, and joy into every space she entered. Despite the many challenges she faced throughout her life, she never allowed those struggles to define her. Whether she was singing her favorite Beyoncé songs, voguing to the beat, creating glamorous makeup looks, or simply making others smile, Peaches found ways to experience joy and share it with those around her.”
The circumstances surrounding her death
Initial media reports misgendered Peaches, identifying her by her birth name and referring to her as a man. According to local NBC affiliate WVTMPeaches was found unresponsive during a routine check at the jail and could not be resuscitated. She had been in custody since April 21 on charges of disorderly conduct, public intoxication, criminal mischief, and third-degree assault.
Three days after Peaches’ death, another individual died in the same facility after a self-harm attempt. Both deaths are currently under investigation by the Birmingham Police Departmentwhich has been reporting on the deteriorating conditions within the jail over the past few years.
A call for systemic change
The TAKE Resource Center emphasized that Peaches’ death was not an accident but a tragic reminder of the failures within the carceral system. They highlighted the lack of adequate mental health resources, negligence, and systemic shortcomings that continue to cost lives.
“This loss is not accidental. It is a tragic reminder of the failures within the carceral system,” the organization wrote. “The lack of adequate mental health resources, combined with negligence and systemic shortcomings in our system, continues to cost lives. Incarceration should never lead to dehumanization. Peaches was a human being. She deserved dignity, respect, compassion, and access to the care she needed.”
Personal reflections and advocacy
Daroneshia Duncan-Boydthe founder and executive director of the TAKE Resource Center, shared a personal tribute to Peaches on Facebook. She reflected on the challenges Peaches faced, including living with untreated mental illness and navigating the world as a trans woman.
“Despite living with untreated mental illness and having to navigate this world alone in your trans identity, you still managed to bring so many people joy,” Duncan-Boyd wrote. “The love you had for me is something I can’t fully put into words. Once again, a system has failed you.”
Duncan-Boyd also detailed the alleged conditions Peaches endured in the jail, including bullying, lack of access to specialty medications, failure to prioritize medical appointments, and unsanitary living conditions.
Historical context and ongoing issues
In 2026, the Birmingham City Jail faced a federal lawsuit on behalf of Angela Karen Langley Kimberlyan inmate who allegedly died of COVID-19 in her cell. Attorney Jonathan Austin described the jail’s conditions as deplorable, noting that Kimberly had been left unmedicated and struggling to breathe for ten days before her death.
“In my experience going down to the jail to see clients, you can see that it is in deplorable condition,” Austin stated. “This is not unique to this one case.”
Honoring Peaches’ legacy
The TAKE Resource Center is planning a short memorial and a balloon release for Peaches at their upcoming Juneteenth event on the 20th. They invite the community to come together to celebrate her life and honor her memory.
“Rest peacefully, Peaches,” the nonprofit wrote. “Your life mattered, your presence was felt, and your memory will forever remain with us.”
