Georgia offensive lineman Devon Willock And recruiter Chandler LeCroy died after a car crash in Athens early Sunday morning. Willock just finished his redshirt sophomore season as a Bulldog and participated in the team’s championship celebration in Athens on Saturday. He is 20 years old.
Police responded to a one-vehicle crash in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, according to a statement provided by the Athens-Clark County Police Department. Preliminary investigations indicate that a 2021 Ford Expedition was traveling southbound in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road when the vehicle left its lane and struck two power poles and several trees.
Willock died at the scene from his injuries.LeCroy She was taken to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. A 21-year-old male passenger was slightly injured and a 26-year-old female passenger was seriously injured.
The university issued a news release about the crash Sunday morning.
“Families throughout Georgia are devastated by the tragic loss of soccer student athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the incident. They are currently in stable condition , we will continue to monitor their condition with medical staff.
“Devon and Chandler are two special individuals who mean so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and athletic department. We ask everyone to keep their families in our prayers during this very difficult time.
“UGA Athletic will be working with our medical team and our mental health and performance staff to ensure we provide the best possible support for our staff and student-athletes who are dealing with this grief. We are unable to provide further comment at this time, But please continue to let those who participate in the prayers.”
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart released a statement Sunday morning.
“We are all devastated by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCoy,“ smart to say. “Devon is a fantastic young man in every way. He always had a smile on his face, was a great teammate and was a pleasure to coach. Chandler is a valuable member of our football staff who brings incredible attitude and energy every day. We mourn this tragic loss with their families and will support them in every way possible. “
University of Georgia President Jere Morehead issued a statement late Sunday morning.
“On behalf of the University of Georgia, our entire campus mourns the loss of two young members of our campus community — student athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy,“ Morehead said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends. We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragic accident. “
Willock played all 15 games for Georgia, which proved to be its second straight national championship season. The New Milford, N.J., native started at right guard in place of Tate Ratledge in Georgia’s wins over Tennessee and Kentucky.
Willock spoke about his approach as a Bulldog during spring practice on March 29.
“I’m just trying to do my part. That’s what I want to do,” Willock said. “At the end of the day, I have to be the best version of myself, and if I’m the best version of myself, I can give the best performance for the team. That’s what I want to do.”
Willock made his debut as a redshirt freshman in 2021 against UAB. He ended up playing 12 games that season and helped the Bulldogs to their first national title in 41 years.
Willock redshirted the 2020 season, his first in Athens.He is a Member of the Scouting Team and named to the 2020-2021 First-Year Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.
Willock is a risk management and insurance student at the University of Georgia and a recipient of the Bill and Jane Young Football Scholarship Endowment Fund.
LeCroy, 24, is a native of Toccoa, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia and worked as a football recruiting analyst for the Bulldogs.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
