Louisiana couple dies hours apart in separate car crashes, leaves behind 4-year-old son

Two families are mourning the deaths of a Louisiana couple who were killed hours apart in separate car crashes.

Louisiana couple killed hours apart in separate car crashes

Alexus Lee, 25, and John “JR” Collins, 35, had just bought a new house, were raising their 4-year-old son and planning a wedding set for February 2026. But then tragedy struck when they were killed in separate crashes less than two hours apart, WAFB reports.

According to Louisiana State Police, Alexus Lee lost control of her SUV Friday, May 16 shortly after 2 a.m. on Plank Road in Zachary, La. She died at the scene.

Investigators called her fiancé, JR Collins, to tell him what happened, and he headed to the crash scene. On his way there, troopers say he lost control of his car just before 3:45 a.m. and hit a tree on the same road. He was ejected and died at the scene. Like his fiancée, he also died at the scene. Troopers confirmed that neither were wearing seatbelts.

Families honor their legacy

Holding back tears, their families remembered the couple and the love they had for each other.

“He loved Alexus, as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her,” said JR’s mother, Sandra Collins.

JR’s father, Arthur Collins, told local news outlet WAFB, “I love them. I’m gonna miss both of them, and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead.”

“Losing Alexus just different. It was a different feeling, and it’s like I know a part of me gone,” said Alexus’ sister, Dominque Lee.

Alexus Lee was a recent Southern University graduate who taught at East Feliciana STEAM Academy. JR Collins was a truck driver who loved sports cars.

The couple leave behind their 4-year-old son, Gabriel. Despite the tragedy, their love lives on through him.

A GoFundMe has been created to support Gabriel’s future. At the date of this article, the fundraiser has raised $22,000 out of its $35,000 goal.

“Your generosity, no matter the amount, will help give Gabriel the life his parents dreamed of for him. If you’re looking for a way to help from anywhere in the country, this is a meaningful way to show your support.”