On November 5, 1973, Special Agent Larry Paul Collins was killed in a single-car crash outside of Reynolds, Georgia. He was 27 years old. Special Agent Collins had recently changed posts from the Athens area to Americus and was testifying in a case in Watkinsville. During his return trip, his car struck a bridge abutment.

Special Agent Collins had served with the Georgia State Patrol for five years. He was survived by his expecting wife, parents, brother, and sister.

In 2014, Special Agent Larry Paul Collins was paid tribute with a special ceremony at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Pineview and a wreath laying at the graveside behind the church. On October 22, 2014, GA State Route 257 from the southern city limit of Hawkinsville to the northern city limits of Cordele was dedicated as the Special Agent Larry P. Collins Memorial Highway.

Those who knew Agent Collins describe him as an outstanding investigator and a great athlete.

The GBI remembers and honors Special Agent Larry Paul Collins. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.