OT: Georgia OL Devin Willock and Recruiting Staffer Chandler Lecroy die in car crash
What a tragedy. RIP
ATHENS, Georgia -- Georgia football player Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member were killed in a car wreck in Athens early Sunday morning, the university confirmed in a statement.
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, started two games on the offensive line this past season. Recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy was also killed, according to the university.
"The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy," the university statement said. "Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel.
"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 all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy," Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. "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."
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Bulldogs senior linebacker Nolan Smith took to Twitter to react to the news.
In a statement, Athens-Clarke County Police reported the single-vehicle accident occurred around 2:45 a.m. ET on Sunday. Police said the initial investigation indicated that a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road and struck two power poles and several trees.
Police said Willock died at the scene. He was 20. LeCroy, who was driving, was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and died as a result of her injuries. A 21-year-old male passenger sustained minor injuries, and a 26-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries.
January 15th, 2023 at 11:35 AM ^
Well, this just sucks. Thoughts go out to the families and the UGA Ath Dept and football team.
January 15th, 2023 at 11:39 AM ^
Very tragic. May their families and friends find peace soon.
January 15th, 2023 at 11:49 AM ^
Horrible. Hug your people every chance you get.
Peace to their friends and family. RIP
January 15th, 2023 at 11:52 AM ^
Horrifying; so sad
January 15th, 2023 at 11:52 AM ^
I can't imagine going through this from any perspective. What a terrible tragedy. Thoughts and prayers for their families and the seriously injured survivor.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:01 PM ^
Awful, sad news. I can't imagine being on either end of that phone call.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
Every once in awhile things happen that remind us there is more to life than just sports.
January 15th, 2023 at 1:40 PM ^
Yes, a cursory glance at any news outside the sports section reinforces that fact all too well.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:28 PM ^
Very sad. Prayers to both of them and their families, and the whole Georgia family.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:42 PM ^
Horrible news. RIP and May God be with the families. So sad 😞
January 15th, 2023 at 12:44 PM ^
Really sad news to hear...
best wishes to their families and the extended Bulldogs family
January 15th, 2023 at 12:47 PM ^
This is horrible news.
What were staffers and studients doing so late at night?
January 16th, 2023 at 7:59 AM ^
I've seen pictures of the accident scene. It was a neighborhood. It is obvious the car was speeding and splintered in two a power pole and multiple trees. Along with Willock, the recruiting hostess who was driving was killed and 2 others members of the team were in the car. I think another recruiting hostess and maybe another player too...
January 15th, 2023 at 12:49 PM ^
Nothing good happens after midnight. RIP.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:52 PM ^
Always heard that as a boy growing up in the 70s.
January 15th, 2023 at 9:48 PM ^
I remember in the late 60s into the mid 70s before the 11 PM local news, a broadcaster would come on and say "its 11 o clock, do you know where your children are".
Sad to hear about this tragic accident. RIP to the two and I hope the other 2 can make a full recovery. The driver may have fallen asleep and drove off the road.
January 15th, 2023 at 1:11 PM ^
Very true. <5% chance it had nothing to with alcohol or drugs. The worst mistakes are those for which there are no second chances,
January 15th, 2023 at 1:31 PM ^
Well at this point we don’t know, so probably not helpful to speculate about whether drugs or alcohol were implicated, nor is it fair to the individuals involved and their families.
January 15th, 2023 at 2:11 PM ^
Things to investigate but not for today.
January 15th, 2023 at 2:17 PM ^
Let’s pretend instead.
January 15th, 2023 at 4:17 PM ^
We don’t have to pretend or not. If drugs or alcohol were involved, I’m sure that will become apparent fairly soon.
January 15th, 2023 at 12:53 PM ^
Absolutely terrible news. Thoughts and prayers to their families.
January 15th, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^
heartbreaking :(
January 15th, 2023 at 1:54 PM ^
Oh my gosh that is beyond horrible. I can’t help but be curious how it happened (that’s not some subtle jab of blame). That must have been an absolutely horrendous accident and just a terrible scene. Man that is so incredibly tragic and heartbreaking.
January 15th, 2023 at 2:11 PM ^
What a nightmare for their families and friends. RIP
January 15th, 2023 at 2:18 PM ^
And the same week they win the title. Reminds me of the Wings’ limo crash after the Stanley Cup. Awful.
January 15th, 2023 at 2:20 PM ^
This is awful. Peace to all involved.
January 15th, 2023 at 2:31 PM ^
Wow....crazy.
January 15th, 2023 at 3:58 PM ^
Nothing good happens at 2:45 am.