University of Georgia offensive lineman, staff member killed in car crash

ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member were killed in a car wreck early Sunday, authorities said.

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Willock, 20, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, and staff member Chandler LeCroy, 24, were killed in Athens, Georgia, the university said in a statement. Two other members of the football program were also injured but were in stable condition, WSB-TV reported. Their names have not been released.

According to ESPN, the injured passengers were a 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman.

“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. “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.”

The crash came hours after the football team celebrated its national championship parade on Saturday, The New York Times reported.

Willock, a 6-foot-7, 335-pound lineman, appeared in all 15 games in 2022 for the two-time national champion Bulldogs, who defeated TCU 65-7 in Monday’s College Football Playoff Championship game. He started at right guard in victories against then-No. 1 Tennessee and Kentucky, according to the university’s football media guide.

In a statement, Athens-Clarke County Police said the single-vehicle accident occurred at 2:45 a.m. EST in Athens. Police said an 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, WSB reported.

Police said LeCroy was the driver of the vehicle, according to the television station. He died after being taken to an area hospital; Willock died at the scene.

“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. “He was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude every single day.”

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