Georgia football offensive lineman Devin Willock and team support staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed early Sunday in a single-vehicle car crash on the east side of Athens, Georgia according to reports.
“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.”
Two other members of the Georgia football program were injured in the crash. They remain hospitalized in stable condition.
How Did Devin Willock And Chandler LeCroy Die?
According to Athens-Clarke County Police who responded at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning, LeCroy was the driver of a 2021 Ford Expedition traveling southbound in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road when the vehicle left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees.
Willock died at the scene of his injuries. LeCroy was taken by EMS to a local hospital where she died.
The crash occurred roughly 12 hours after the team celebrated its second straight national championship with a parade.
Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles last Monday night, cementing their status as the new power in college football.
Who Was Devin Willock?
Willock, 20, was a third-year player from New Milford, New Jersey. He played in all 15 games, also started at guard in two games this season, and played the past two seasons after redshirting in 2020.
Who Was Chandler LeCroy?
LeCroy, 24, was a football recruiting staff member and a UGA graduate.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy,” UGA athletics said in a statement. “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.”
Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the crash.
“We are covering the families of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy in prayer this morning. We are deeply saddened on the tragic loss of Devin and Chandler, and we will continue to honor their memory in the years to come,” said UGA athletics director Josh Brooks. “These two special people meant the world to our football program and athletic department. We are working with our medical staff and mental health and performance team to ensure our staff and student-athletes have all the support they need during this extremely difficult time.”
It’s always sad when young people die unexpectedly. This was a moment of celebration for the UGA family and for something tragic like this to happen will be devastating for the victims’ families as well as the larger UGA community.
Look for UGA athletics to do something to honor the victims during next football season.
