(DailyVantage.com) – In a tragic turn of events near Baton Rouge, an engaged couple lost their lives in consecutive car accidents, leaving a young boy without his parents.
At a Glance
- An engaged couple from Baton Rouge died in separate car crashes hours apart.
- The couple left behind a 4-year-old son named Gabriel.
- A proposed February 2026 wedding was abruptly canceled by tragedy.
- Both were not wearing seatbelts during their accidents.
A String of Tragic Events
Alexus Lee, 25, and John “JR” Collins, 35, perished in separate car accidents within hours of each other. Alexus, a teacher at STEAM Academy in Clinton and a recent graduate, lost control of her vehicle early in the morning on LA 67 near Lemon Road, leading to a crash that flipped her car. John, a truck driver with a passion for sports cars, rushed to the scene of her accident only to face a tragic fate himself. Neither was wearing a seatbelt when the accidents occurred.
Gabriel, their 4-year-old son, now finds himself in the care of devastated family members. His parents were working towards a February 2026 wedding and had also recently acquired a new home, which reflected their dreams of a shared future. The investigations into the crashes are ongoing, but the family’s immediate focus is on supporting Gabriel through their unimaginable loss.
UPDATE/SERIOUS MYSTIC ACCIDENT: A @GoFundMe fundraiser has been established for the parents of two of the four victims of Monday morning's Mystic car accident, Chris and Sterna Wilson. The crash led to the death of one of their sons, Carson, and Skyler and two others involved in… https://t.co/xFaex7CmW4 pic.twitter.com/tgoZQNSiFS
— newsbell (@newsbell) October 15, 2024
Rallying Around Gabriel
The family is committed to providing Gabriel with the care and support he needs. Alexus’s vehicle spun out of control as she was driving alone, causing her to crash into a culvert. John’s vehicle met a tree on his way to assist his fiancée. This heartbreaking sequence highlights the unpredictability of life and the importance of safety measures like wearing seatbelts. Family members expressed the immense void left by their absence, gathering strength to help Gabriel find comfort.
“I love them and I’m gonna miss both of them, and I’m gonna find the strength to go ahead” – Arthur Collins
As the family grapples with this tragic loss, they lean on cherished memories and a shared responsibility to ensure Gabriel’s well-being. Their loss has touched the broader community, prompting an outpouring of support and prayers. A joint celebration of life is scheduled to honor the couple’s memory.
A Community’s Heartache
Communities close to Alexus and JR are mourning their untimely deaths. Both families are determined to fulfill their dreams for Gabriel, ensuring he grows up in a nurturing and stable environment despite losing his parents. Plans included a wedding in 2026 and recently purchasing a home, highlighting their commitment to a future together. As they are laid to rest, their son Gabriel will continue to be surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
“He loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her” – Sandra Collins
The scheduled joint celebration of life will take place at East Feliciana STEAM Academy in Clinton, Louisiana. Here, family and friends will reflect on the couple’s impact and celebrate their lives, affirming a commitment to Gabriel’s future. The community’s resilience and togetherness shine as they face this trying time.
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