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In a heartbreaking tragedy that shook Louisiana, an engaged couple died hours apart in separate car crashes early Friday, May 16\u2014leaving behind their 4-year-old son, Gabriel.<\/p>\n
Just a year earlier, Alexus Lee, 25, celebrated her birthday and engagement to John \u201cJR\u201d Collins, 35, on Facebook, sharing photos of her ring and excitement about their future. The couple had recently bought a home and were planning a February 2026 wedding.<\/p>\n
Around 2 a.m. on May 16, Lee, a teacher and Southern University graduate, crashed her SUV on LA-67 in East Baton Rouge Parish. She was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene.<\/p>\n
Less than two hours later, a devastated Collins was speeding to reach her when his Camaro veered off the road and hit a tree. He was also not wearing a seatbelt and died instantly.<\/p>\n
Friends and family mourned the couple, calling them \u201csweet souls\u201d with \u201cunmatched energy.\u201d Tributes poured in online, remembering their love and light.<\/p>\n
Now, their son faces life without his parents. Both families are coming together to raise Gabriel with love and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn just hours, we lost two beautiful lives full of love and dreams,\u201d said Collins\u2019 mother, Sandra. \u201cBut we\u2019ll make sure Gabriel knows how much they loved him.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In a heartbreaking tragedy that shook Louisiana, an engaged couple died hours apart in separate car crashes early Friday, May 16\u2014leaving behind their 4-year-old son, Gabriel. Just a year earlier, Alexus Lee, 25, celebrated her birthday and engagement to John \u201cJR\u201d Collins, 35, on Facebook, sharing photos of her ring and excitement about their future….<\/p>\n