In another sad story of separation, four-year-old Gabriel is made an orphan. His mom, Alexus Lee, and dad, John “JR” Collins, were killed in separate car crashes within hours of each other. Fatality occurred in Louisiana, where family and friends are now gathering around Gabriel as he recovers from this tragic event.
Alexus Lee, an award-winning former STEM school teacher. Tragically, her creative life was cut short in a car accident on May 16, when she swerved off the road, overcorrected and flipped her sports utility vehicle. The car rolled onto its roof and skidded against the guardrail. It washed out to a culvert next to the road in Zachary, a suburb just outside of Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, her fiancé, John “JR” Collins, was on his way to the crash site himself. Sadly, he died in an accident on his way there. Collins was killed when his truck hit a tree in Clinton, about 20 miles from Zachary.
The engaged couple decided to have their wedding set for February 2026. They dreamed of creating a life overflowing with love, possibility, and ambition for their little boy. Now, Gabriel faces an uncertain future without his parents.
In response to this devastating situation, Dominque Lee, Alexus’s sister, has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at supporting Gabriel’s future. The campaign hopes to set up some kind of trust fund for Gabriel, or at least save enough that they can pay for his college education. Dominque shared her commitment to carrying on her sister and brother-in-law’s legacy.
“I’m heartbroken … that we recently lost … two incredible souls who were building a life together, full of love, dreams and devotion to their little boy.” – Dominque Lee
The GoFundMe campaign’s goal is to ensure that “the legacy of Alexus Lee and John ‘JR’ Collins lives on through the opportunities we now can provide for Gabriel.” Family members and friends have shown overwhelming support as they unite to help Gabriel, who is currently under the care of Dominque. She’s pregnant, expecting her third child, and will soon be a mother of four, including Gabriel.
Additionally, due to Gabriel’s young age, he is not yet able to fully grasp the reality that his parents are gone forever. According to Sandra Collins, a family member, “And he’s just having a little problem comprehending that we can’t talk to [his parents]. We can’t see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God.”
Dominque Lee promised supporters that the family of Gabriel will remain dedicated to Gabriel through this loss that should ever have to be endured.
“While this loss is unimaginable, our commitment to Gabriel is unwavering.” – Dominque Lee
“Rest assured knowing that y’all’s son is in good hands.” – Dominque Lee
The whole community has rallied to embrace this little boy. They’re resolved to provide him with the love and support he’ll need to face his new challenges.