In Loving Memory of James E. Owens Jr. and Justin E. Carlee

In Loving Memory of James E. Owens Jr. and Justin E. Carlee

CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. — The community of Chilton County is reeling from an unimaginable tragedy after a fatal head-on collision along U.S. Highway 82 claimed the lives of two men early Monday morning. The devastating crash, which occurred just after dawn, has left families shattered and an entire region grieving the loss of two lives taken far too soon.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash took place near the intersection of County Road 73, a stretch of highway that runs through rural Chilton County. Authorities report that 20-year-old James E. Owens Jr., of Tuscaloosa, was behind the wheel of a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro when his vehicle collided head-on with a 2016 Toyota Tundra driven by 42-year-old Justin E. Carlee, a well-known resident of Maplesville. Both men were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the vehicles crossed the center line, leading to the deadly collision. Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and while it remains unclear what factors contributed to the tragedy, authorities have emphasized the importance of cautious driving on this heavily traveled stretch of highway.

The news has sent shockwaves through Chilton County and beyond. For both families involved, the loss is indescribable — two hardworking men whose lives, though separated by a generation, shared common threads of dedication, family, and community.

Those who knew James Owens Jr. describe him as a bright, ambitious young man with his entire future ahead of him. Friends and former classmates from Tuscaloosa say he had a magnetic personality — someone who could make anyone smile, no matter the situation. He was known for his love of cars, music, and spending time with those closest to him. “James was full of life,” one friend shared. “He had big dreams, and he worked hard to make them happen. It just doesn’t seem real that he’s gone.”

Justin Carlee, 42, was deeply rooted in the Maplesville community. A devoted family man, he was admired for his kindness, steady demeanor, and willingness to help anyone in need. Friends and neighbors recall how Justin was always ready to lend a hand — whether it was helping fix a vehicle, supporting local youth sports, or simply being there when someone needed advice. He was known as a loving husband, father, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed. “Justin was the kind of person you could always count on,” a neighbor said. “He loved his family more than anything. Our hearts break for them.”

As news of the fatal crash spread, the community came together in mourning. Messages of love, grief, and remembrance have poured out on social media, where photos and tributes to both men continue to circulate. Local churches have opened their doors for prayer gatherings, and friends have organized memorial funds to help support the families in their time of need.

For residents of Chilton County, the tragedy is also a somber reminder of how quickly life can change. The quiet morning that turned deadly on U.S. 82 has reignited calls for greater safety awareness on rural Alabama highways — roads that, while scenic, are often narrow and dangerous when traffic increases.

As investigators continue to piece together what led to the crash, both families are left to navigate the painful road ahead — supported by a community determined to honor the memory of James Owens Jr. and Justin Carlee.

In the days to come, friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate their lives — two men from different towns, whose paths crossed in a tragic moment that has united entire communities in grief. Their memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew them, a powerful reminder to cherish each moment, hold loved ones close, and drive with care on the roads that connect us all.