The families of Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins are mourning after the engaged couple tragically died in separate car crashes on the same day, leaving behind their 4-year-old son.
The double tragedy is said to have occurred in Baton Rouge on May 16, WAFB reported. Authorities said Alexus initially slammed her SUV into a culvert after she lost control, adding that the crash happened in Plank Road near Lemon Road in Zachary.
In the wake of that crash, authorities contacted JR to notify him of what had occurred. But while driving to the crash scene, authorities said he slammed into a tree after similarly losing control of his car. He is said to have passed away after he got ejected from the car following the crash. Authorities also said the deceased couple were not wearing seatbelts.
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In an interview with the news outlet, JR’s mother, Sandra Collins, said the deceased couple’s 4-year-old son Gabriel “understands what happened, and he’s just having a little problem comprehending that we can’t talk to them.” She added: “We can’t see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God.”
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Alexus’ sister, Dominque Lee, also described losing her sibling as “just different.” “It was a different feeling, and it’s like I know a part of me gone,” she said.
Dominque Lee also said she knew her sister and JR “left here knowing their child is in good hands for sure” with JR’s father saying, “I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead.”
The deceased couple were preparing to tie the knot in February 2026. JR’s mother said her deceased son “loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her.”
Alexus was a teacher at East Feliciana STEAM Academy and graduate of Southern University while JR was a truck driver. Their passing also came after they recently became new homeowners, WAFB reported.
Collins said that even though her son and Alexus “left a child behind, we have a great support system.” She added: “The two families will blend, and we will do whatever it takes to give him a good life.”
