A heart-wrenching tragedy has shaken the Baton Rouge community, as a young couple, Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins, lost their lives in two separate car crashes within hours of each other early Tuesday morning.
According to local authorities, the devastating chain of events began around 2 a.m. when 27-year-old Alexus Lee was involved in a fatal crash along Louisiana Highway 67. Officials say her SUV veered off the road, collided with a culvert, and overturned. Tragically, Alexus was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Less than two hours later, at approximately 3:45 a.m., tragedy struck again. Her partner, John “JR” Collins, who had rushed to the crash site upon hearing the news of Alexus’ death, reportedly lost control of his vehicle while driving on the same stretch of road. His car left the roadway, struck a tree, and he was ejected from the vehicle, suffering fatal injuries.
A Devastating Loss and a Child Left Behind
The couple leaves behind their four-year-old son, Gabriel, who is now the sole focus of both grieving families. Relatives have confirmed that Gabriel is safe and currently being cared for by loved ones.
In a show of unity and strength amid their shared loss, Dominique Lee, Alexus’ sister, and Sandra Collins, JR’s mother, have vowed to co-parent Gabriel, ensuring he is surrounded by love and stability despite the immense void left by his parents.
“Gabriel is our priority now,” Dominique said in a statement. “We will raise him together, just as Alexus and JR would have wanted.”
Community in Mourning
The tragic and surreal nature of this double loss has left friends, neighbors, and the broader Baton Rouge community in shock. Social media has since been flooded with tributes to the couple, who were described as “inseparable” and “deeply devoted” to each other and their son.
A family friend wrote:
“They were soulmates in every sense of the word. It’s heartbreaking that they left the world within hours of each other.”
Local authorities continue to investigate both accidents, urging the public to always use seatbelts and exercise caution, especially while driving at night.
A memorial fundraiser has been set up to support Gabriel’s future and assist the families with funeral arrangements.
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