ATHENS, Georgia — A Georgia university that recruits staff who survived an accident that killed a colleague and a soccer player is suing the sports federation and a former UGA star.
Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy were killed on Jan. 15 in an accident that occurred hours after the soccer program’s back-to-back championship parade in Athens.
Recruiting analyst Victoria Bowles and offensive lineman Warren McClendon survived the crash. Both were in the passenger seats behind LeCroy, who was driving the SUV, and Willock, who was in the passenger seat.
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Channel 2 action news received a copy Wednesday that Bowles and her attorneys filed in Gwinnett County State Court. The lawsuit names the UGA Athletic Association (UGAAA), former UGA soccer star Jalen Carter, the LeCroy estate and five John Doe defendants.
Bowles is seeking reimbursement of more than $171,500 in medical bills and at least $3,443 in lost wages at the time of filing and future lost wages. She is also seeking damages for “her mental and physical pain and suffering, her extreme emotional distress, and damages in bad faith.”
Channel 2 action news contacted the UGAAA and received the following statement.
“We continue to investigate the complaint as the plaintiff’s attorney has decided to first disclose it to the media before sharing it with us. Based on our preliminary examination, we dispute his claims and will vigorously defend the Athletic Association’s interests in court.
“We stand by our previous statements on the matter
“The complaint does not allege that Ms LeCroy and Ms Bowles were on duty or acting as part of their employment in the hours prior to the accident. It is alleged that in some previous cases, recruiters were allowed to take rental vehicles home and return them the next morning. However, this does not mean that they were allowed to use the car for any purpose. Recruitment vehicles could only be used for recruitment activities, personal use of the vehicles was prohibited and recruiting employees were therefore not permitted to use the rental vehicle for their purely personal activities on the night of the accident or at any other time. Under no circumstances were recruiting employees allowed to drive rental cars at excessive speeds while intoxicated.
“While we have patiently supported Ms. Bowles throughout her long and difficult recovery, we will vigorously defend our position in this litigation.”
Bowles’ attorney, Rob Buck, also sent a statement, which said:
“Tory is deeply saddened by the loss of Devin and Chandler. She greatly appreciates the ongoing prayers, love and support she is receiving throughout her difficult recovery. She would like to thank her entire medical team as well as Ron Courson who worked with Tory and her physical injuries on a daily basis. Tory is disappointed that the federation and its insurers have forced her to pursue litigation to repair her life-changing injuries.”
Read the full lawsuit below.
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Bowles is not the first to file a lawsuit in connection with the fatal accident in January. Willock’s father is suing the UGAAA and several of its associates, LeCroy’s Estate, Carter, Sarchione Auto, and the strip club Toppers International.
According to the filings, Willock’s father, Dave Willock, and the Willock estate are seeking $30 million in compensatory damages from the defendants and an additional $10 million in punitive damages from Carter.
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