Willock was 20, LeCroy was 24
By Ryan Gaydos
A car accident early on Sunday morning claimed the lives of two Georgia Bulldogs football players and injured two more, just hours after the team had celebrated back-to-back national championships.
Devin Willock, a 20-year-old offensive lineman, and Chandler LeCroy, a 24 year-old member of the recruiting staff, were the victims of the car accident in Athens, Georgia, according to the UGA Athletic Association. Two additional injured people, according to the organization, are in stable condition. They were not recognized right away.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel,” the UGA Athletic Association said in a statement.
“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 statement continued.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief. We can provide no further comment at this time but ask everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers,” the statement read.
Willock was a passenger in an SUV that crashed in Athens around 2:45 a.m. local time, police said. The vehicle was traveling in the outside lane of the road when it left the roadway and struck two power poles and several trees, according to authorities.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, Willock was dead at the scene. LeCroy, who was the driver, was taken to the hospital where she later died, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, was a backup offensive lineman on the Bulldogs who played in every regular season game. He also played in the SEC Championship and in both College Football Playoff games.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart released a statement on Willock and LeCroy’s passing.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” Smart said in a statement. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling. He was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought [an] incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”
Georgia celebrated its most recent national championship on Saturday.
