Devin Willock, an attacking lineman for the Bulldogs football team at the University of Georgia, died in a car accident that killed one other person and injured two others early Sunday morning, the school said. The accident came just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship win with a parade and ceremony.
Willock, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. LeCroy was a football recruiting analyst for the Bulldogs who previously earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Georgia. Two other members of the football program were also injured in the crash in Athens, Georgia, just south of the university campus. They were not immediately identified, but the school said both are in stable condition.
ESPN reported that another offensive lineman, Warren McLendon, was among the injured. The junior announced Saturday that he will be entering the NFL draft.
According to a statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the wreckage of a single vehicle occurred around 2:45 a.m.
The initial investigation found that a Ford Expedition “steered off the roadway and struck two utility poles and several trees,” the statement said.
On Saturday, Georgia celebrated TCU’s 65-7 win in the national championship game with a parade through town and a ceremony at Sanford Stadium.
Georgia football players pay tribute to the crowd during a parade in celebration of the bulldog’s second consecutive NCAA college football national championship Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Athens, Ga. Alex Slitz/AP
The joyful mood quickly turned to sadness.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great team-mate and a pleasure to coach.”
Smart said LeCroy was “a valued member of our football team and brought incredible attitude and energy with him every day. We mourn this tragic loss with their families and will support them in any way we can.”
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 15, 2023
Police said the wreckage is still under investigation and they have not determined what factors may have contributed to the crash. It can take several days for an accident report to be issued.
Willock was a 6-foot-7, 335-pound redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey.
He played extensively as a backup during the 2022 season, starting at right in Southeastern Conference wins over Tennessee and Kentucky.
With McClendon and offensive lineman Warren Ericson on the way to the NFL draft, Willock likely would have been fighting for a starting position in 2023 as the Bulldogs battle for a third straight national title.
Athletic director Josh Brooks said Willock and LeCroy are “two special people” who ” meant the world to our football program and our athletic department.”
“We will continue to honor her memory for years to come,” added Brooks.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student and athlete Devin Willock and football staffer Chandler LeCroy,” said the University of Georgia Athletic Association in a expressionadding, “The UGA Athletic Association will be working 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. We cannot offer any further comment at this time, but ask everyone to keep those involved in your prayers.
We are heartbroken at the deaths of Devin and Chandler.
Our prayers are with their families at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/BYLH8Xipwa
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) January 15, 2023
According to the police, a 21-year-old passenger was slightly injured and a 26-year-old passenger was seriously injured. “We will continue to monitor her status with medical staff,” the school said.
Georgia also said its mental health and performance staff will “ensure we are providing the best possible support to our staff and student athletes who are processing this grief.”
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey, speaking at the championship celebration, tweeted that Willock’s death “was incredibly sad news and we join to share our condolences, prayers and support.”
Another Georgia player, linebacker Nolan Smith, said Willock’s death “broke my heart.”
“All I have to say, the BIG ARE LEAVING (TOO) SOON”, Smith tweeted. “@DevinWillock I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”
A few hours before his death Willock retweeted a post That showed him taking his time with a young Georgia fan at a restaurant and even letting the youngster wear his championship ring.
“Special thanks to @DevinWillock for making time for my grandson when he didn’t have to,” the tweet reads. “You did everything you could to make him feel special and you made his day!! Good luck next year! Go Dawgs!”
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