Honoring Lives Lost in a Tragic Chilton County Collision
It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of a fatal head-on collision that claimed the lives of two Alabama residents early Monday morning. The crash occurred around 5:35 a.m. on Highway 82, just west of Maplesville, and involved a Chevrolet Camaro and a Toyota Tundra.
James Owens Jr., 20, of Tuscaloosa, was driving the Camaro when it collided with the Tundra operated by 42-year-old Justin Carlee of Maplesville. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. James Owens Jr. was a junior at Huntingdon College and a beloved member of the college’s football team, where he played as a decorated defensive lineman. Known for his quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep faith, James was more than an athlete—he was a beacon of light to those around him. Just weeks before his passing, he asked to be baptized by the College Chaplain on the very field where he forged bonds of brotherhood with his teammates.
His loss has deeply shaken the Huntingdon community. Faculty, students, and coaches remember James not only for his athletic talent but for the way he lived—with humility, compassion, and a heart for others. “There is greater value in the college experience than the earning of a degree,” one tribute read. “Football and athletics are more than one school competing against another. James pointed others to his Savior and lived with purpose.”
Justin Carlee, a resident of Maplesville, is also mourned by his community. Though less is publicly known about his life, his passing is no less significant. Every life lost in tragedy leaves behind grieving loved ones, unanswered questions, and a community forever changed.
As we honor the memories of James and Justin, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and all those impacted by this devastating event. May their lives be remembered with love, and may their legacies inspire us to cherish each day and each other.
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