(Chilton County, Alabama, November 13, 2025) – The Alabama community is mourning the loss of James E. Owens Jr., a 20-year-old defensive lineman for Huntingdon College, following a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. 82 in Chilton County. Authorities confirm that Owens and a 42-year-old man from Maplesville both died in the crash.
Huntingdon’s football program issued a heartfelt statement, calling Owens “a towering presence of kindness and a force to be reckoned with” on the defensive line. The school’s head coach, Mike Turk, said that “we need to be together … as I know James would have wanted us to do.”
Source: WSFA
How the Crash Happened
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash occurred on U.S. 82 in Chilton County. Owens died when the car he was driving collided with a truck driven by 42-year-old Justin E. Carlee of Maplesville. Both victims tragically died at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released final conclusions about the cause of the collision. Key factors likely under review include speed, vehicle control, point of impact, and whether any driver errors or mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
Victims & Impact
- Name: James E. Owens Jr. (20)
- Affiliation: Defensive lineman, Huntingdon College Hawks
- Community Response: The Huntingdon College community, including his teammates and coaches, is grief-stricken. Owens was remembered not only for his athletic ability but also for his faith and kind spirit.
- Name: Justin E. Carlee (42)
- From: Maplesville, Alabama
- Affilation: Unknown
How to Help Owens’ Family
Losing a loved one suddenly in a crash is devastating. If you would like to support the family of James Owens during this difficult time, here are some ways:
- Donate or Give to Memorial Funds — Reach out to the Huntingdon College alumni association or the Owens family’s trusted contacts to ask how to contribute.
- Attend Memorial Services — Keep an eye on announcements from the college or family for any memorial events or services.
- Offer Emotional Support — Send sympathy messages, cards, or notes of encouragement to the family and the Huntingdon College community.
- Spread Awareness — Share the family’s story through social media or your community networks to honor James’s life and legacy and to remind others of road safety.
How to Contact ALEA After a Crash
If you need access to the official crash report or want to follow up on the investigation:
- Crash Report Request: Use the ALEA crash report request form. Requesters must complete the form and send it to:
- ALEA Crash Reports, P.O. Box 1471, Montgomery, AL 36102-1472. (Alea)
- Include a $15 fee (by money order, cashier’s check, or certified check — no personal checks).
- Online: Reports can be ordered through the Alabama Interactive portal for an electronic copy.
- Highway Patrol Contacts: If you have questions or need assistance regarding a crash handled by ALEA troopers:
Having the official ALEA crash report is critical for insurance, legal claims, and any wrongful-death or personal-injury action.
Legal Considerations & Next Steps
The sudden loss of a young athlete like James Owens raises serious legal questions. Families may have grounds to pursue:
- Wrongful death claims — seeking compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
- Negligence claims — if investigations show driver error, speeding, or failure to maintain control.
- Liability of other parties — depending on the investigation, the other driver, or third parties (like vehicle owners or maintenance companies) may be partially responsible.
Because evidence — such as skid marks, vehicle data, and eyewitness testimony — can be lost or degraded over time, it is vital to consult a personal injury / wrongful death attorney quickly.
How Fob James Law Firm Can Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our team has deep experience handling fatal crash cases in Alabama. We provide:
- Free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case
- Coordination with crash reconstruction experts and medical professionals to investigate the crash
- Compassionate legal representation on a contingency-fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
If you have lost a loved one in a crash — whether on a state highway, interstate, or in a multi-vehicle collision — contact us today at (205) 407-6009 or via online to discuss your legal rights.
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Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.