Beloved UAPD Officer Justin Beal Dies After Heroic Battle With Cancer

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama Police Officer Justin Beal died Wednesday night following a lengthy battle with terminal cancer.

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The news was shared in a social media post during the early morning hours by his wife and the mother of his three children, Christina Beal.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share this devastating news," she wrote. "My husband fought a long and incredibly difficult battle, and through it all, he showed unwavering strength, courage, and love."

Christina Beal described her husband as the family's rock, protector and the heart of the family.

"The pain of this loss is unimaginable, but we find comfort knowing he is no longer suffering," she said.

As previously reported by Patch, Beal joined UAPD in March 2023 and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division in the fall of 2024.

Prior to joining UAPD, Beal worked for the Tuscaloosa Police Department.

"During his time in CID, Inv. Beal went out of his way to help other investigators and officers," said Lt. Daniel Pate, Beal's supervisor in CID. "He was always willing to take on extra assignments — even those that others did not want — and did so without complaint. He was always pleasant even when we knew he was dealing with the pain from his medical treatments. Our department will miss him."

The University of Alabama said in a statement that its thoughts are with Beal's wife and their children, Gracie, Braxton, and Chadeyn, as they face this profound loss.

"We also extend our heartfelt condolences to Inv. Beal's extended family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity," UA said. "The loss of a member of our police family is deeply felt throughout our department. Inv. Beal's positive attitude, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working alongside him."

On Sept. 11, 2025, Beal received the heartbreaking news that his cancer has returned after he was first diagnosed in February 2019 with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

At that time, Beal underwent surgery on his sinuses to remove the tumor, before enduring eight weeks of radiation and eight weeks of chemotherapy.

Beal's family also provided an update on his condition earlier this week, saying what began as a visit to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for blurry vision led to devastating news.

Following extensive testing, doctors determined that Beal's cancer had aggressively spread to his brain and surrounding areas.

Beal's family, at the time, said they were told he only had days to weeks to live.

In her post Thursday morning, Christina Beal thanked friends, family and supporters for their prayers and encouragement throughout his illness.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for the love, prayers, and support you have shown him and our family during this time," she wrote. "Your kindness has truly meant everything to us."

She also said the family is facing unexpected expenses following Beal's death and asked those who are able to consider helping through donations, sharing the family's fundraiser or continuing to keep them in their prayers.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you," she wrote. "We love you all."

A GoFundMe fundraiser established to assist the Beal family remains active. Click here to donate.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.

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