A beloved couple from Louisiana tragically died two hours aside in separate automobile crashes whereas driving on the very same street. Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins not too long ago bought a house and had been trying ahead to their wedding ceremony day, which was set for early 2026, when the weird tragedy unfolded. They depart behind a 4-year-old son, Gabriel.
Each crashes are nonetheless below investigation by the police. Within the early morning hours of Might 16, Lee, 25, was heading north on Freeway 67 in Baton Rouge when her SUV instantly ran off the street, hit a culvert, and flipped the other way up. The crash website close to Lemon Highway in Zachary was found by state troopers round 2 a.m., and he or she was pronounced lifeless on the scene. Lee had not been sporting a seatbelt.
When police contacted her fiancé, JR, to tell him of the horrible information, the 35-year-old hopped in his Chevy Camaro and rushed to the scene. Investigators say he was “touring at a excessive charge of velocity” when he misplaced management of his automobile on a right-hand curve, simply exterior of Clinton on the identical street, about quarter-hour away from his deceased fiancée.
A press launch issued by the Louisiana State Police revealed that he slammed right into a tree and was forcefully ejected from the automobile. He was pronounced lifeless on the scene. Impairment isn’t suspected, although he was additionally not sporting a seatbelt. The outcomes of a routine toxicology report on Lee are nonetheless pending, in response to police.
The saddened Collins household not too long ago opened up their residence to WAFB9 reporters to share their grief and pay tribute to some whose inspirational lives have been minimize brief. “It was a unique feeling, and it’s like I do know part of me is gone,” Alexus’ youthful sister Dominque Lee stated via tears.
“I’m empty inside.. I really like them and I’m gonna miss each of them, and I’ll discover the energy to go forward,” JR’s father, Arthur Collins, advised reporters whereas showing visibly distraught and holding his spouse’s hand. JR’s mom, Sandra Collins, stated the 2 households will develop into “blended” now as they plan to boost the couple’s orphaned preschool-aged son.
“He’s simply having just a little drawback comprehending that we are able to’t discuss to them, we are able to’t see them, however he understands that they’re asleep,” shared Sandra, including that “the 2 households will mix and we are going to do no matter it takes to offer him a very good life.”
JR labored as a truck driver and was a sports activities automobile fanatic. Alexus not too long ago graduated from Southern College in Baton Rouge and took a instructing function at East Feliciana STEAM Academy in Clinton, which, by all accounts, she thrived in.
“It’s with nice disappointment we inform you that Ms. Alexus Lee, 2017 graduate of East Feliciana Excessive College and trainer at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, handed away this morning. Please be part of us in wrapping Ms. Lee’s household in prayer and love throughout this troublesome time,” learn a tribute from Lee’s employer.
Along with her skilled achievements, she was often called a “candy good friend” with a “full of life smile and spirit,” stated grieving household and mates in a whole lot of Fb posts. “Your mild shines via the lives you touched and the love you shared.”
