A tragic sequence of events has left a Louisiana community mourning the loss of an engaged couple, Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins, who died in separate car crashes on the same night, leaving behind their 4-year-old son, Gabriel.
The couple, who were planning to marry in February 2026, had recently purchased a new home and were building a life together. Alexus, a recent graduate of Southern University, was a teacher at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, while JR was a truck driver with a passion for sports cars.
On the night of the tragedy, Alexus lost control of her SUV on Plank Road near Lemon Road in Zachary, crashing into a culvert and overturning. Upon being notified, JR rushed to the scene but lost control of his vehicle on Plank Road near Clinton, hitting a tree and being ejected from the car. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.
Their families remember them as deeply in love and devoted parents. Their son, Gabriel, is now in the care of a supportive extended family. A joint celebration of life was held on May 21 at East Feliciana STEAM Academy.