Authorities in Alabama are actively searching for a 1-year-old boy whose disappearance went unnoticed for several months, only coming to light after a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his father and sister.
Kahleb Rowan Collins, 1, was last seen on September 4 in Winfield, Alabama, according to an alert from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). His disappearance wasn’t discovered until December 8, when his parents and 2-year-old sister were involved in a fatal crash near Glen Allen, located about 70 miles northwest of Birmingham.
The crash resulted in the deaths of the child’s father, Steven Bradley Collins, 40, and his 2-year-old sister, RyLeigh. The mother, Wendy Jean Bailey, was critically injured and remains hospitalized.
On December 11, authorities arrested the children’s grandfather, John Elton Bailey, and charged him with failing to report Kahleb as missing. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by WBMA and AL.com, authorities suspect that Kahleb may have “suffered serious harm or even death.” They believe he was “removed from the home and taken to an unknown location.”
Investigators also learned that Steven Collins was allegedly driving in the rain at twice the speed limit when the crash occurred. Additionally, none of the car’s occupants were wearing seatbelts, and one passenger was ejected from the vehicle.
After the crash, police discovered that the 1-year-old had not been in the car at all, which prompted a search. On December 18, ALEA confirmed that the boy had not been seen for over three months and asked the public for help in locating him.
A neighbor of the family shared that while they knew Steven and Wendy had a son, they had never seen him. The parents had reportedly told the neighbor a few months ago that Kahleb was sick and had been sent to stay with a relative. Steven had also posted on Facebook in November, mentioning that his son was ill and had a long road ahead for recovery. In the post, Steven explained that Kahleb was not growing properly and had serious back issues. He also mentioned that Kahleb’s organs were growing, but his body was not, and that the child would eventually need surgery.
RyLeigh, the 2-year-old who tragically died in the crash, is remembered in her obituary as a “loving and happy baby” who enjoyed fishing with her family, watching Paw Patrol, and adored Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The family described her as a joyful child who will always be remembered and cherished.
It remains unclear whether John Elton Bailey, the children’s grandfather, has entered a plea or hired an attorney to represent him. Authorities continue their search for Kahleb as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
