ATHENS, Georgia — Georgian soccer player Devin Willock and a recruiter were killed in a car crash in Athens early Sunday morning, the university confirmed in a statement.
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, NJ, started on offense in two games last season. According to the university, recruiter Chandler LeCroy was also killed.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student and athlete Devin Willock and football staffer Chandler LeCroy,” the university statement said. “Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. Both are in stable condition and we will continue to monitor their condition with 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 are all heartbroken and devastated by 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 pleasure to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football team and brought incredible attitude and energy to it every day. We mourn with them families for this tragic loss and will support them in any way we can.”
SEC Commissioner Gregory Sankey and Bulldogs senior linebacker Nolan Smith went to twitter to respond to the news.
In a statement, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department reported that the single-vehicle accident occurred around 2:45 a.m. ET Sunday. Police said initial investigations revealed a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road on the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road, hitting two utility poles and several trees.
Police said Willock died at the scene. He was 20 years old. LeCroy, who was driving, was taken to a local hospital by ambulance and died as a result of her injuries.
A 21-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries and a 26-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries.
Sources told ESPN Sunday that junior offensive lineman Warren McClendon was also involved in the crash and is in stable condition. McClendon of Brunswick, Georgia, announced Saturday that he will be drafted in the NFL. McClendon, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive tackle, started in 13 games for the Bulldogs last season.
The wreck happened hours after the Bulldogs celebrated back-to-back national championship wins with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team, as well as our mental health and performance staff, to ensure we are providing the best possible support to our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief,” the university said in a statement. “We are unable to comment further at this time but ask everyone to continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”
The 6-foot-7, 335-pound Willock played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs last season, including starts on the right side in victories over Tennessee and Kentucky. He was ranked the #39 Guard Prospect in the country and #17 Prospect in New Jersey by ESPN Recruiting as a senior at Paramus Catholic High School in 2020.
According to LeCroy’s LinkedIn account, she has been a recruiting analyst at Georgia since May 2021. Previously, she worked as a learning specialist and sports marketing advertising intern for the sports association. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, LeCroy had received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports management and politics from UGA, according to her LinkedIn account.