Four-year-old left orphaned after both parents die in separate car accidents just hours apart

The parents of a four-year-old have died in separate car accidents just hours apart.

Engaged couple Alexus Lee, 25, and John 'JR' Collins, 35, died in separate crashes in Louisiana, US, on 16 May.

Louisiana State Police said that they attended 'two separate fatal crashes on LA 67 in two different parishes'.

Lee crashed her 2013 Toyota Highlander when the vehicle 'exited the roadway to the left, struck a culvert, and overturned'.

Amid fatal injuries, she was pronounced dead on the scene.

"Impairment is unknown; however, a routine toxicology sample was collected for analysis," police noted. Then 'just before 3:45am', police responded to a 'single-vehicle crash on LA 67 at Idlewild Road'.

Alexus Lee, 25, was involved in a fatal car crash in Louisiana, US, on 16 May (Facebook)

"The preliminary investigation revealed that Collins was traveling south on LA 67 at a high rate of speed in a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro," police explained.

"As a result, the vehicle failed to negotiate a right-hand curve, exited the roadway to the left, and struck a tree."

WAFB reported that Collins was heading to the scene of his partner, with police saying that he was 'unrestrained and was ejected from the vehicle'.

John 'JR' Collins, 35, reportedly was on his way to the scene (Facebook)

"He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene." they continued. "Impairment is not suspected; however, a toxicology sample was obtained and will be submitted for analysis."

They confirmed that 'both crashes remain under investigation'.

The couple, who were reportedly due to get married next year, left behind four-year-old Gabriel, who is aware that his parents have died, according to his grandmother.

"I love them and I'm gonna miss both of them and I'm gonna find the strength to go ahead." Collins' dad, Arthur, told WAFB.

Gabriel, four, knows his parents have died, his grandmother said (Facebook)

His mum, Sandra, added: "He loved Alexus as well as everybody else who knew her. To know her was to love her. He understands what happened and is having a little problem comprehending that we can't talk to them.

"We can't see them, but he understands that they are asleep and are with God."

Alexus's sister Dominque added, "I know they left here knowing their child is in good hands."

Lee's reported employer, East Feliciana Public Schools, said in a tribute on Facebook: "It is with great sadness we inform you that Ms. Alexus Lee, 2017 graduate of East Feliciana High School and teacher at East Feliciana STEAM Academy, passed away this morning.

"Please join us in wrapping Ms. Lee's family in prayer and love during this difficult time."

LADbible Group has contacted the Louisiana State Police for an update.