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Tragedy Strikes Louisiana Families as Engaged Couple Dies in Separate Car Crashes Hours Apart
CLINTON, La. — A Louisiana community is reeling after an engaged couple tragically lost their lives in separate car accidents just hours apart. Alexus Lee, 25, and John “JR” Collins, 35, were preparing for their upcoming February wedding and looking forward to a future together in their newly purchased home. They leave behind a 4-year-old son, Gabriel.
According to Louisiana State Police, Ms. Lee lost control of her SUV on Plank Road near Lemon Road in Zachary late Friday night.
The vehicle crashed into a culvert and overturned. Authorities contacted Mr.
Collins to inform him of the accident. While en route to the scene, Mr.
Collins also lost control of his vehicle on Plank Road, just outside of Clinton. His car struck a tree, and he was ejected from the vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that neither Ms.
Lee nor Mr. Collins were wearing seatbelts at the time of their respective accidents.
The families are understandably devastated. “I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead,” JR’s father, Arthur Collins, shared with local news.
Alexus’s sister, Dominque Lee, expressed the profound loss, stating, “Losing Lexus is different. It’s a different feeling, and it’s like a part of me is gone.”
Both families are committed to providing a loving and stable environment for young Gabriel. “Even though they left a child behind, we have a great support system,” stated a member of the Collins family.
“The two families will blend, and we will do whatever it takes to give him a good life.” Sandra Collins, JR’s mother, shared that Gabriel understands his parents are gone, saying, “He understands what happened…he understands that they are asleep and are with God.”
Dominque Lee added, “I know they left here knowing their child is in good hands for sure.”
Ms. Lee was a recent graduate of Southern University and a teacher at East Feliciana STEAM Academy.
Mr. Collins worked as a truck driver and was a passionate sports car enthusiast.
A joint celebration of life will be held for the couple on Wednesday, May 21, at 11 a.m. at the East Feliciana STEAM Academy in Clinton.