A University of Georgia football player and staff member, a recruiting analyst for the team, died in a single-car accident Sunday right after the school’s team celebrated their victory in the national championship with a parade.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, 20-year-old Devin Willock and 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy were in a vehicle with two other people; LeCroyy was driving. Around 2:45 a.m., the car, a 2021 Ford Expedition, veered off the road and struck some trees and two power poles, causing a power outage in Athens. The incident happened not too far from campus.
Emergency officials pronounced Willocks dead at the scene after he was ejected from the vehicle, while LeCroy died after medics transported her to a hospital. The other two in the vehicle were 26-year-old Victoria Bowles, who obtained severe injuries in the crash, and 21-year-old Warren McClendon, who received minor injuries.
The UGA Athletic Association released a statement in response to the tragic news.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy,” the statement read. “Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
We are heartbroken over the passing of Devin and Chandler.
Our prayers are with their families during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/BYLH8Xipwa
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) January 15, 2023
The Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart gave a statement, as well.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” Smart said. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 15, 2023
Willocks, a six-foot-seven and 335-pound redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, played as a reserve offensive tackle during his first year, playing against South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Arkansas, and more. He then began playing as a right guard, experiencing victory over Tennessee and Kentucky during the Southeastern Conference.
