A tragic car crash in Fayette County, Alabama, has revealed a deeper mystery involving a missing one-year-old child, Kahleb Rowan Collins, whose disappearance had gone unnoticed for months.

Fatal Accident Brings Mystery to Light

On December 8, a high-speed crash occurred when 27-year-old Steven Collins lost control of his truck while traveling at 92 mph on a wet road.

The family's one-year-old son has now been reported missing. Credit: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

The vehicle struck a tree, resulting in a devastating chain of events:

Steven Collins and his two-year-old daughter, RyLeigh, were killed.
Wendy Bailey, Collins’ partner and Kahleb’s mother, survived but remains critically injured.
Neither adult wore a seatbelt, and RyLeigh was not in a car seat, contributing to the tragedy.

In the aftermath of the crash, investigators discovered that the family had a second child, one-year-old Kahleb Rowan Collins, who was not in the vehicle.

Kahleb Reported Missing Three Months After Last Sighting

The day after the crash, authorities learned that Kahleb had not been seen since September 4, 2023. A Missing Child Alert was immediately issued, and investigators are now searching for answers regarding his disappearance.

Adding to the case’s complexity, John Elton Bailey, Kahleb’s grandfather, was arrested on December 11 for failing to report the child missing. Court filings allege that Bailey, who lived with the family before Kahleb vanished, “delayed to make or failed to cause to be made the report” and acted with “willful and reckless disregard” for the child’s safety.

“The child suffered serious bodily harm or death,” court documents state, adding that Kahleb was removed from the home and taken to an unknown location without being reported missing.

Conflicting Family Accounts and Troubling Clues

Neighbors told investigators that Steven Collins claimed Kahleb was staying with relatives due to health issues. Meanwhile, a Facebook post shared by Collins in November described Kahleb’s supposed medical struggles:

“Our son is not doing well. He is not growing and has major back issues… Keep him in your prayers.”

John Bailey. Credit: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

However, relatives, including Dwayne Collins, Kahleb’s uncle, have expressed confusion and concern.

“Please let me know where he’s at and if he’s okay, so we can find out what’s going on,” Dwayne Collins said in an interview.

Kahleb is described as having blonde or strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement agencies, including the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, are working diligently to uncover the truth behind Kahleb’s disappearance.

In a statement, the District Attorney’s Office emphasized the complexity of the case and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.

“This case has been the top priority… since a vehicle crash brought his disappearance to our attention 11 days ago.”

As the search continues, investigators are looking into the parents’ claims, the grandfather’s actions, and the circumstances that led to this tragic series of events.

How to Help

Anyone with information about Kahleb Rowan Collins’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office or the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability when it comes to protecting vulnerable children.

Featured Image Credit: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency