Passengers Injured In The Crash That Killed A UGA Football Player And A Staffer Have Been Identified

Devin Willock, a football player at the University of Georgia, and Chandler LeCroy, a staff member, died in a single-car collision early on Sunday.

The collision happened only a few hours after the team’s national championship parade and celebration, according to the UGA Athletic Association. Celebration and happiness following the Bulldogs’ second national championship rapidly gave way to grief over the unexpected deaths of two young members of the community.

LeCroy, 24, was driving Willock, 20, and two other passengers near the UGA campus in Athens just before 3 a.m. on Sunday when the car ran off the road. According to a news release from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the four passengers in the automobile slammed into a number of trees and two power lines.

Just past a curved part of Barnett Shoals Road, the collision happened. There is no barrier, however there is a walkway on the outside border of the road, and the speed limit is 40 mph.

Willock was thrown from the car and passed away there. According to police Lt. Shaun Barnett, none of the other passengers were ejected from the vehicle. Police claimed that LeCroy passed away after being brought to a hospital.

In 2020, Willock—a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey—became a member of the squad. All 15 of the team’s games during the previous season saw him participate on the offensive line. LeCroy worked as a football recruiting analyst at UGA, according to her LinkedIn profile.

According to investigators, the two passengers hurt in the collision were Georgia offensive lineman Warren McClendon, 21, who had just moderate wounds, and Victoria Bowles, 26, who suffered serious wounds.

McClendon, who began the season as Georgia’s right tackle, announced his intention to enter the NFL draft earlier on Saturday. The Athens Banner-Herald was informed by the father of Warren McClendon Sr. that his son needs stitches on his forehead but is otherwise “doing great.”

Cicely and Normal Stout, Willock’s aunt and uncle, said that their nephew was highly liked and performing well in school. He was doing fantastic. All of his classmates, instructors, and coaches adored him, according to Cicely Stout.

Devin always has a smile on his face. Devin has a big smile on his face and was excelling in his studies. He was performing admirably. He was a good man and a very good student. Jonathan Wheatley, Willock’s older brother, passed away in 2009 at the age of 20 from injuries incurred in a comparable auto accident, according to Cicely Stout.

The car’s frame was crumpled into an apartment building in Shoals Creek, roughly two miles from the campus of the University of Georgia, according to photos of the crash site collected by adjacent residents. A wooden power pole was also snapped in half.

Jonathan D’Souza, a resident, claimed to have been at the scene of the collision first. According to him, he was watching television when the ground began to tremble and he heard what appeared to be gunshots outside of his apartment. It was completely dark when he stepped outside to see before the power went out. He claimed that he was made aware of the damaged car that had crashed into his neighbor’s home by sparks shooting from dangling power lines in the center of the street.

Willock was discovered face down next to the car by D’Souza. He screamed at Willock, who was not responding, and demanded to know how he was doing. D’Souza stated, “You wish you could save him, but you know he’s already gone. It was the most helpless sensation.”

Police stated that the crash investigation is still ongoing and that they are there for the families. The two UGA team members were regarded by university members as engaging and important contributions to the football program.

Devin was in every aspect a remarkable young man. He was a fantastic teammate, always smiling, and a delight to coach, according to a statement released by head football coach Kirby Smart on Sunday. Chandler brought a great attitude and a lot of energy to our football staff every day, making him a valued asset.

According to UGA athletics director Josh Brooks, “These two remarkable guys meant the world to our football program and athletic department.” “We are collaborating with our medical team, mental health and performance team, and staff to make sure that our student-athletes and staff have access to all the help they require during this incredibly trying time.”

Local UGA supporter Daniel Dewitt told CNN that Willock was “upbeat and cheerful.” Dewitt has a tattoo of the UGA championship from 2021, and he intends to get a similar one for the triumph this year. This time, he declared, Willock’s number, 77, will be on it.

Passengers Injured In The Crash That Killed A UGA Football Player And A Staffer Have Been Identified

Devin Willock, a football player at the University of Georgia, and Chandler LeCroy, a staff member, died in a single-car collision early on Sunday.

Download The Radiant App To Start Watching!