The parents of a four-year-old child tragically lost their lives in separate car crashes just hours apart.
Alexus Lee, 25, and John “JR” Collins, 35, were engaged, had just bought a new home, and were planning to marry in February 2026.
Instead, their lives were cut short in devastating circumstances on May 16 as Collins allegedly sped to the scene of Lee’s fatal crash, only to lose control and be killed in a wreck of his own.
According to a press release by Louisiana state police , authorities responded to both single-vehicle crashes on LA 67, which occurred less than two hours apart in different parishes.
Lee was driving a 2013 Toyota Highlander northbound near Lemon Road in East Baton Rouge Parish just after 2:00AM when her SUV veered off the road, struck a culvert, and overturned.
“Lee was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased on the scene,” police reported. A toxicology sample was collected for analysis, though impairment is not yet known.
Not long after learning of her death, Collins reportedly jumped into his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro and raced to the scene.
Around 3:45AM, just across parish lines in East Feliciana, the father lost control while speeding south on LA 67. His car exited the road at a curve near Idlewild Road and slammed into a tree.
“Collins was unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle,” police confirmed. “He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene.” A routine toxicology sample was also collected, and both crashes remain under investigation.
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Loved ones of the late couple are left heartbroken, including their families and their four-year-old son, Gabriel.
“I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead,” said Collins’ father, Arthur, in an interview with WAFB.
“He loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her,” added Collins’ mother, Sandra. “To know her was to love her.”
Sandra shared that young Gabriel is struggling to understand what’s happened. “He understands what happened, and he’s just having a little problem comprehending that we can’t talk to them. We can’t see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God.”
Alexus’ sister Dominique also offered a message of comfort: “I know they left here knowing their child is in good hands for sure.”
In a statement posted to Facebook, East Feliciana Public Schools paid tribute to Lee, who taught at East Feliciana STEAM Academy and was a 2017 graduate of East Feliciana High School.
“It is with great sadness we inform you that Ms. Alexus Lee… passed away this morning. Please join us in wrapping Ms. Lee’s family in prayer and love during this difficult time,” they penned.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
