A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Louisiana on May 16, when an engaged couple lost their lives in two separate fatal crashes just hours apart — leaving behind their 4-year-old son.

Alexus Lee, 25, and John “JR” Collins, 35, had recently purchased a new home and were planning to marry in February 2026. But their lives were cut short overnight in separate accidents on LA 67.

According to a statement from Louisiana State Police, the first crash involved Lee in East Baton Rouge Parish. Police responded shortly after 2:00 a.m. to a single-vehicle crash on Lemon Road.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Lee was driving a 2013 Toyota Highlander northbound when, for reasons still unknown, her vehicle left the road, struck a culvert, and overturned. She was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology tests have been taken, but impairment is not yet confirmed.

Tragically, after hearing the news of Lee’s accident, Collins was driving to the crash scene when he also lost control. His crash occurred shortly before 3:45 a.m. on Idlewild Road in East Feliciana Parish.

Authorities said Collins was traveling at high speed in a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro when he failed to navigate a right-hand curve, left the road, and hit a tree. He was also unrestrained and ejected from the vehicle, sustaining fatal injuries. Toxicology tests have been collected but impairment is not suspected.

Both crashes remain under investigation.

Loved ones have expressed their grief and said they will deeply miss both Alexus Lee and John Collins, mourning the loss of the young couple and their devastating impact on their family — especially their son, Gabriel.