Authorities seek help locating families of three dead men; one lived in a tent in an Alabama park

Published 2:40 pm Monday, January 15, 2024

Three men who recently were found dead have been identified, but authorities have been unable to find any of the men’s families.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has asked for the public’s help in locating the family of the following men:

Eddie Lee Smallwood, 63, a black male who lived in Brundidge, Alabama. He died December 1 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham of natural causes. Coroner’s office authorities said none of Smallwood’s friends knew any of his family. He lived in the Troy, Alabama, area for several year, but may have had ties to Michigan earlier in his life.

Willie Charles Baker, 71, a black male who lived in Birmingham. He died January 7 of natural causes at Oak Knoll Health and Rehabilitation. Authorities said they have been unable to locate any of Baker’s family.

Lugene Tyus Jr., 68, a black male of Birmingham. He died January 9 and was found inside a tent where he lived under a pavilion at Lynn Park. Tyus had previous tied to the Prattville area in Autauga County. Several years ago, his mother Anne Buford was listed as an emergency contact in the Chicago area.

If you are family or have knowledge of family, please call the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner’s Office at 205-930-3603.