22/05/2025 13:27
A MOM has been killed in a car crash and her fiancé died in another horror smash while rushing to the scene, leaving their young son behind.
Alexus Lee and John “JR” Collins, who were set to tie the knot in February next year, died hours apart on May 16.
Lee's Toyota car overturned after she crashed into a culvert, as reported by the ABC affiliate WAFB-TV.
Then, Collins, 35, smashed into a tree while he was darting to his partner's crash scene.
He rushed to the wreckage after being told by investigators.
Louisiana cops revealed that the impact of the smash saw him ejected from the car as he wasn't wearing a seat belt.
He hit a tree when he was trying to navigate a bend in the road.
The couple were the parents to their young son, Gabriel, four.
Collins' mom, Sandra, revealed that the youngster understood what happened.
"We can't see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God," she told WAFB.
Lee's Facebook page has been inundated with tributes from family members, colleagues, and her friends.
One of her final social media posts was about the next series of Bridgerton airing next year.
Just days before the crash, she celebrated her friend's child heading to kindergarten.
Lee and Collins had just bought a new home, family members revealed.
"I love them and I'm gonna miss both of them and I'm gonna find the strength to go ahead," Collins' dad, Arthur, said.
Lee, 25, studied at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette and was training to become a teacher.
College pals reminisced on their times studying together.
I love them and I'm gonna miss both of them and I'm gonna find the strength to go ahead
Arthur Collins
"So many nights we spent stressing over math 117 at UL!" devastated friend Meche Danielle said.
"Countless meals and conversations we shared. Such a loving and caring soul gone toooooo soon."
Meanwhile, others said they have been left "shattered" by her death.
"Saying goodbye this soon feels wrong," Vennie Burton Jr penned on Facebook.
"So instead, I’ll just say ‘I love you’ and know you are with me always."
Earlier this year, Lee shared a montage of snaps of her son looking dapper in a pink bow tie and waistcoat.
"Mr. Gabe," she simply captioned the post.
Last year, she was seen beaming in snaps announcing her engagement.
“I love you through good and bad times, through thick and thin,” she wrote on Facebook, talking about her husband to be.
“I can't wait to be your life long partner!!!!”
