Georgia Football: UGA Player Dead in Car Crash After Title Win

The University of Georgia (UGA) Athletic Association announced that Georgia football player Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a car crash early Sunday, just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their national championship with a victory parade and celebration.

According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Willock, 20, and LeCroy, 24, were among the four passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident at about 2:45 a.m. Sunday near the UGA campus in Athens, CNN reported.

Authorities said LeCroy was driving when the 2021 Ford Expedition went off the road and collided with two utility poles and some trees.

Police noted that officers found Willock dead at the scene, while LeCroy died in a hospital.

Authorities said another male passenger, aged 21, and a 26-year-old female passenger also suffered serious injuries in the crash.

The university has yet to reveal the identities of the two injured passengers but indicated that they were connected to the football team.

Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, has participated in all 15 of Georgia's games this season while playing on the offensive line.

LeCroy was the Bulldogs' recruiting analyst. Her LinkedIn profile said she was a sports management graduate from the university and served as the football programs learning specialist, The Hill reported.

UGA Player Devin Willock

Devin Willock stood at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 335 pounds. During the 2022 season, he was a key reserve player, starting as a right guard in wins over Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Southeastern Conference.

Willock would likely have been competing for a starting position this year as the Bulldogs try for a third straight national championship, with offensive lineman Warren McLendon and offensive guard Warren Ericson leaving for the NFL draft, according to CBS News.

ESPN reported that McLendon was among the injured. Josh Brooks, the athletic director, remarked that Willock and LeCroy were amazing people who "meant the world to our football program and athletic department." He also said they would never forget them.

Shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday, Willock's posted his last tweet. He retweeted a fan's post of him posing with the fan's grandson, WJCL reported.

The fan, Sam Kramer, told ABC News he met Willock at a steakhouse in Athens Saturday night.

He noted that after recognizing Willock and requesting a photo, Willock introduced himself to Kramer's grandson, Camdyn, and lent the boy his championship ring for the shot.

"Devin's smile never left him. He talked to Camdyn for what seemed like forever," Kramer said.

Georgia Football Family Mourns the Death of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy

"We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy," said Kirby Smart, the team's head coach, adding that Willock was exceptional in every way and was a pleasure to have as a teammate.

He also said LeCroy was a crucial member of their football staff and offered a great attitude and level of enthusiasm every day.

He added that they share the sorrow of their families and will do what they can to help them recover from this terrible loss.

The incident occurred just hours after Sanford Stadium was crowded with fans celebrating the team's second consecutive national championship win.

On social media, former and active athletes, such as Philadelphia Eagles' Jordan Davis and linebacker Nolan Smith, paid tribute to Willock and LeCroy.

"Watching them grow and become like family over these few years. There is no grief without love, and we love both of you like family," wrote Davis.

The police are investigating the crash, the first fatal motor vehicle accident in Athens-Clarke County, in 2023, People reported.

While speaking at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday morning with President Joe Biden with him in the pulpit, Senator Raphael Warnock addressed the accident, The Spokesman-Review reported.

"Sad news this morning: After winning the national championship - again - we're saddened to hear that death and grief has visited the University of Georgia football team," the senator said.

He added: "Devin Willock, an offensive lineman for Georgia, and Chandler LeCroy, staff member, both killed this morning in a tragic car accident in Athens, Georgia... We lift these families in prayer."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Georgia Offensive Lineman Devin Willock, Recruiting Staffer Die in Tragic Car Crash - From 6abc Philadelphia