An engaged couple died just hours apart in separate car crashes in Louisiana on Friday, May 16
Police responded to Alexus Lee’s single-vehicle collision in East Baton Rouge Parish just after 2:00 a.m, and later responded to John “JR” Collins’ single-vehicle collision in East Feliciana Parish shortly before 3:45 a.m.
Collins was on his way to the crash scene of his fiancée when his car struck a tree, according to a local media report
A husband and wife to-be have died just hours apart after being involved in separate car collisions.
According to local media outlet WAFB, 25-year-old Alexus Lee and 35-year-old John “JR” Collins had just bought a new house and were set to tie the knot in February 2026 before they died overnight on Friday, May 16, in Louisiana.
In a news release shared by the Louisiana State Police, released May 16, officials confirmed that they attended to “two separate fatal crashes on LA 67 in two different parishes.”
They added that Lee’s crash took place in East Baton Rouge Parish, with police responding to the single-vehicle crash at Lemon Road just after 2:00 a.m.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that Lee was driving a 2013 Toyota Highlander north on LA 67,” the release read. “For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota exited the roadway to the left, struck a culvert, and overturned.”
They added, “Lee was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Impairment is unknown; however, a routine toxicology sample was collected for analysis.”
WAFB reported that Collins was driving to the crash scene of his fiancée when he lost control of his vehicle. The outlet also reported that the couple were parents to a 4-year-old son called Gabriel.
According to the police release, Collins was involved in a single-vehicle crash at Idlewild Road in East Feliciana Parish, with authorities responding to the scene shortly before 3:45 a.m.
“The preliminary investigation revealed that Collins was traveling south on LA 67 at a high rate of speed in a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro,” police said. “As a result, the vehicle failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, exited the roadway to the left, and struck a tree.”
“Collins was unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle,” they added. “He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Impairment is not suspected; however, a toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis. Both crashes remain under investigation.”
Loved ones of the couple have shared how they’ll miss Collins and Lee.
“I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead,” Collins’ father, Arthur, told WAFB.
His mother, Sandra, added, “He loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her.”
Sandra also revealed that the couple’s son Gabriel understands that his parents have died.
“He understands what happened, and he’s just having a little problem comprehending that we can’t talk to them,” she said. “We can’t see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God.”
Alexus’ sister Dominque went on to say, “I know they left here knowing their child is in good hands for sure.”
In a statement on Facebook, Lee’s employer, East Feliciana Public Schools, paid tribute to the teacher.
“It is with great sadness we inform you that Ms. Alexus Lee, 2017 graduate of East Feliciana High School and teacher at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, passed away this morning,” the post read. “Please join us in wrapping Ms. Lee’s family in prayer and love during this difficult time.”
