1-Year-Old Missing for Months After Family Involved in Fatal Car Crash
Young mother severely injured in crash; daughter and boyfriend fatally injured. (Contributed)
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is urgently searching for 1-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins, who was last seen on September 4. Authorities initiated the search after a devastating crash earlier this month claimed the lives of Kahleb’s father and 2-year-old sister, raising questions about the toddler’s whereabouts.
Kahleb, described as weighing 35 pounds with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair, remains unaccounted for following the crash on December 9. His father, Steven Collins, was driving the truck involved in the accident. According to officials, Steven was not wearing a seat belt at the time and was ejected from the vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries at UAB Hospital.
Tragically, 2-year-old Ryleigh Collins, who was unrestrained in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Kahleb’s mother, Wendy Bailey, was also a passenger and was critically injured. She was airlifted to UAB Hospital, where she remains in critical condition, WIAT reported.
The disappearance of Kahleb was brought to light on December 9, the same day his father passed away. Law enforcement learned that Steven Collins and Bailey had another child who had not been accounted for. “It hits right at home,” said Fayette County resident Karen Sanderson, who lives near the scene of the crash.
Jim Standridge, a public defender assigned to the case for Alabama’s 24th Judicial Circuit Court, visited the crash site on Tuesday. “We’re here at the scene just trying to get a feel for the accident and what happened,” Standridge said.
While Standridge leads the defense’s independent investigation, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office continues to question possible witnesses, family members, and friends in search of answers regarding Kahleb’s disappearance.
The search has also extended to Bailey’s place of employment. On Tuesday, law enforcement visited the Walker County Solid Waste Department, where Bailey worked, seeking any potential leads. Rodney Cane, the department’s director, confirmed their presence.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Kahleb’s whereabouts to come forward. “If you have any information, please contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 205-932-3205.”
As the community reels from the tragic loss of life and the growing mystery surrounding Kahleb, the case remains a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change. For those closest to the family, the search for answers—and for Kahleb—remains a race against time.
