An Alabama college football player known for his faith and kindness was killed in a head-on collision that claimed two lives on a November morning in Chilton County, leaving his team and community in mourning.

James E. Owens Jr., 20, of Tuscaloosa, was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro when it collided with a Toyota Tundra driven by Justin E. Carlee, 42, of Maplesville, reports indicate. At about 5:30 a.m. on November 10, a crash happened on U.S. Route 82 near the 99-mile marker, roughly two miles west of Maplesville. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, according to abc3340.com.

Officers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Highway Patrol Division are currently looking into the incident. No further details about the circumstances of the collision on the two-lane roadway have been released as the investigation continues.

Owens was a junior defensive lineman for Huntingdon College in Montgomery, playing for the Huntingdon Hawks football program. He posted 10 tackles in five games this season, reports indicate, and finished with 20 tackles across 13 games during his three-year career with the team.

The Hawks football program posted a heartfelt tribute on social media following news of his death. James was described as a remarkable presence whose kindness matched his strength on the defensive line for Huntingdon’s football program. They said he embodied the values of the college both on and off the field, consistently demonstrating respect, integrity, and compassion throughout his time as a Hawk.

Owens was baptized during the season’s opening week, a moment that held special significance for the junior and his teammates. Rhett Butler, Huntingdon College chaplain and dean of the chapel, reflected on the experience in the school’s tribute post. Butler described Owens as the most abundantly assured person he had baptized, noting that the young man knew and loved Jesus and was determined to take the next step in his faith through baptism. Initially reluctant to be baptized in front of others, Owens changed his mind when he realized how his public declaration of faith could inspire his teammates and others.

Head football coach Mike Turk, speaking about the loss, emphasized the team’s commitment to honoring Owens’ memory by continuing their preparation for upcoming games. The coach told local media that the team returned to work Tuesday, focusing on preparing for their next game as they believe Owens would have wanted them to do.

Head-on collisions remain among the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of impact when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These incidents typically occur on undivided two-lane roads where vehicles share the same roadway with only painted lines separating traffic flows. Factors that can contribute to head-on crashes include driver distraction, impairment, fatigue, adverse weather conditions, or attempts to pass other vehicles. Law enforcement agencies investigate these incidents thoroughly to determine the specific circumstances and factors involved.

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to Owens in a balloon release ceremony. Footage posted on social media showed the group releasing red and white balloons into the sky to honor his memory.

The college community has rallied around those affected by the loss, with campus support resources made available to students, teammates, and staff. The loss has been particularly felt across the campus in Montgomery.

Owens was originally from Tuscaloosa, located in the west-central region of Alabama. Before joining Huntingdon College, he attended Northridge High School, reports indicate. His transition to college football allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for the sport while completing his education.

The college released a statement expressing condolences to all those impacted by the loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with James’ family, his teammates and classmates, and all of those who were blessed to know him,” the institution stated.

As the investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to the collision. Both families affected by the incident face the difficult process of mourning their losses while seeking answers about what occurred that November morning on the Chilton County roadway.

The Hawks football program continues its season while processing the loss of their teammate, carrying forward the memory of a player remembered not just for his presence on the defensive line, but for his character, faith, and the positive impact he had on those around him during his time at Huntingdon College.