A Huntingdon College football player lost his life in a head-on collision in Chilton County, Alabama, on November 10, 2025. James E. Owens Jr., 20, was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro when it collided with a Toyota Tundra driven by Justin E. Carlee, 42, of Maplesville. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on U.S. 82 near the 99-mile marker, approximately two miles west of Maplesville. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. No additional details about what led to the head-on impact have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Owens, a Tuscaloosa native, was a junior defensive lineman for the Huntingdon Hawks football program in Montgomery. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds, the defensive lineman had recorded 10 tackles in five games this season, reports indicate. Throughout his three-year career with the Hawks, Owens totaled 20 tackles across 13 games.
The college community has responded with an outpouring of grief and remembrance for the young athlete. Huntingdon College described Owens as a towering presence who represented the institution with distinction both on the field and in his personal life. The football program posted a tribute emphasizing that Owens carried himself at the utmost standard of respect, integrity and kindness throughout his time as a Hawk.
Head football coach Mike Turk addressed the team’s response to the loss, noting the importance of unity during such a difficult period. “It has been one of those weeks where we need each other, we need to be together,” Turk told reporters. The team returned to practice on Tuesday following the collision, preparing for their next game against Belhaven in what Turk described as an effort to honor Owens’ legacy by continuing the work he would have wanted them to do.
A particularly meaningful aspect of Owens’ final weeks involved a spiritual milestone. The junior defensive lineman was baptized during the season’s opening week, an event that left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. Huntingdon College Chaplain and Dean of the Chapel Rhett Butler, who performed the baptism, shared his perspective on the experience.
“Of everyone I’ve baptized, James stands as the most abundantly assured person,” Butler said in the college’s statement. He explained that Owens knew and loved Jesus, and was insistent on taking the next step of his faith through baptism. Initially, Owens had preferred a private ceremony, but changed his mind when he realized his public profession of faith could serve as a witness to others.
The Huntingdon community gathered on Tuesday to pay tribute to Owens through a balloon release ceremony. Footage shared on social media showed attendees wearing red and white, the school’s colors, before releasing balloons into the sky in his honor. The visual tribute demonstrated the widespread impact Owens had on his teammates, classmates and the broader college community.
Prior to his time at Huntingdon College, Owens attended Northridge High School. His athletic career at the collegiate level spanned multiple seasons, during which he developed as both a player and a person. Those who knew him emphasized his character and the positive influence he had on others around him.
The college emphasized that Owens was not only a force on the defensive line but also a great representative of the institution in all aspects of campus life. His commitment to maintaining high standards in his conduct made him a respected figure among his peers and coaches alike. The football program noted that his presence extended beyond his physical stature, describing him as someone who embodied kindness in his daily interactions.
The loss of the 20-year-old athlete has resonated throughout the Huntingdon College campus and beyond. University officials expressed their condolences to Owens’ family, teammates and classmates, acknowledging the profound impact his death has had on all who knew him. The institution has made support resources available to students and staff as they process the loss of their teammate and friend.
As the investigation continues, the Huntingdon Hawks football program moves forward with their season while carrying the memory of their fallen teammate. The combination of returning to normal routines while processing grief represents a challenge familiar to many athletic programs that have experienced similar losses. The team’s decision to continue practicing and preparing for upcoming games reflects both their commitment to the sport and their desire to honor Owens’ dedication to the program.
The obituary of Justin Carlee, the other crash victim, described him as having had an infectious sense of humor, a heartfelt kindness, and an energetic spirit wherever he went. He was remembered for his generous nature, sharp mind, and remarkable ability to solve just about any problem. He worked at Burkes Mechanical, where he took great pride in both his achievements and the colleagues he shared them with.