Georgia OL Devin Willock, recruiting staffer die in car crash
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia football player Devin Wheelock and a member of the recruiting staff were killed in a car crash 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 last 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 Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy,” the university said in a statement. “Two other members of the football program were also injured in the accident, both are in stable condition and we will continue to monitor their condition with the medical staff.
“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 you all keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
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 that the single-vehicle accident occurred around 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Police said the initial investigation indicated a 2021 Ford Expedition went off the road in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road and struck two utility poles and several trees.
Police said Willock died at the scene. He was 20 years old. LeCroy, who was driving, was transported to a local hospital by ambulance and died from her injuries.
A 21-year-old male passenger suffered minor injuries and a 26-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries.
The destruction came hours after the Bulldogs celebrated back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles on Monday night.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to ensure we are providing the best support possible to our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief, ” the university said in a statement. . “We are unable to provide any further comment at this time, but ask that everyone continues to keep them in your prayers.”
The 6-foot-7, 335-pound Willock played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs last season, including starts at right guard in wins against Tennessee and Kentucky. He was ranked as the No. 1 guard prospect. 39 in the country and prospect no. 17 in New Jersey by ESPN Recruiting as a 2020 graduate of Paramus Catholic High School.
According to LeCroy’s LinkedIn account, she had worked as a recruiting analyst at Georgia since May 2021. She previously worked as a learning specialist and sports marketing promotions intern for the athletic association. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, LeCroy earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in sports management and policy from UGA, according to her LinkedIn account.
