The latest wave of social media posts and articles claiming the tragic passing of James E. Owens Jr.—now falsely tied to Texas Tech Red Raiders or BYU Cougars football—represents yet another escalation in a series of AI-generated misinformation campaigns exploiting a real, heartbreaking loss. As detailed in my previous coverage, Owens was a 20-year-old junior defensive lineman at Huntingdon College (NCAA Division III) in Montgomery, Alabama, who died on November 10, 2025, in a head-on car crash. These new fabrications, published on sketchy sites like lumaflow.blog, recycle identical phrasing from earlier debunked stories (e.g., linking him to LSU or the Jaguars) while inflating his profile as a “first-round NFL pick” or “MVP contender”—claims unsupported by any scouting reports or program records. No credible outlets, team statements, or X discussions connect Owens to Texas Tech, BYU, or any FBS program.
The Real Story: A Life of Faith and Impact at Huntingdon
James E. Owens Jr., a Tuscaloosa native and Northridge High School alum, was a cornerstone of the Huntingdon Hawks’ defensive line, appearing in 13 games over three seasons with 20 tackles (including 10 this year). Known for his quiet leadership and infectious positivity, he wasn’t chasing headlines but building bonds—checking on teammates, lifting spirits with a smile, and playing with “heart in every snap.”
Just weeks before the crash, Owens publicly professed his faith through a field baptism after a September 26 practice win, a moment captured by the team’s social media: “Wins on Saturday’s are always great. Wins for God’s Kingdom are even better.” Chaplain Rhett Butler, who officiated, remembered him as “the most abundantly assured person” he’d baptized: “He knew Jesus, loved Jesus, and insisted on sharing his faith as a witness to others.”
The accident occurred around 5:35 a.m. on U.S. Highway 82 in Chilton County, when Owens’ 2019 Chevrolet Camaro crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a 2016 Toyota Tundra head-on, killing both drivers—Owens and 42-year-old Justin E. Carlee of Maplesville. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s investigation is ongoing, with no charges or causes yet determined.
Community Response: Honoring a True Hawk
Huntingdon Athletics’ tribute encapsulated his essence: “James was a towering presence of kindness and a force to be reckoned with… He carried himself with the utmost standard of respect, integrity, and kindness.” Head coach Mike Turk, speaking to WSFA 12 News, emphasized unity: “It has been one of those weeks where we need each other… We went back to work… as I know James would have wanted us to do.” A balloon release in Hawks colors (red and white) drew crowds, and his funeral on November 22 at Christian Community Church in Tuscaloosa packed the house with family, friends, and football faithful.
On X, genuine tributes from al.com, People, and Marca have garnered thousands of shares, focusing on his character over stats. No mentions of Texas Tech (which is 6-4, prepping for Oklahoma without such news) or BYU (7-3, focused on Big 12 title talks).
Why the Hoaxes Keep Coming
This pattern—starting with LSU/Jaguars, now Texas Tech/BYU—smacks of bot-driven content farms chasing clicks on tragedy. Sites like lumaflow.blog mirror vitalzen.biz: garish headlines, “full story” links to paywalls, and zero sourcing. It’s exploitative, diluting real grief with fiction. Football’s a family; let’s honor James by amplifying truth, not tall tales.
James E. Owens Jr. (2005–2025) wasn’t an FBS phenom—he was a D-III defender whose legacy of faith and fellowship shines brighter than any draft projection. Rest in peace, James. For the Owens family or Huntingdon support, reach out via the college’s athletics page. If you’ve spotted similar scams, flag ’em—awareness is the antidote.
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