Georgia star Devin Willock killed in car crash hours after championship parade

15 January 2023 , 18:15

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Devin Willock and a University of Georgia staff member were killed in. crash in the early hours of Sunday morning (Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Georgia college football player Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member were killed in a car crash on Sunday morning.

In a statement, the university confirmed both Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in the crash in Athens. Willock was a redshirt sophomore who hailed from New Milford, New Jersey and started two games on the offensive line for the Bulldogs as they won the College Football Playoff this season.

Athens-Clarke County Police reported the single-vehicle accident occurred around 2:45 a.m. ET on Sunday morning. Police revealed their investigation suggested a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road and struck two power poles and trees.

Police confirmed Willock died at the scene at 20 years of age. LeCroy, who was driving, was transported to a local hospital by ambulance but died as a result of her injuries. A 21-year-old male passenger sustained minor injuries while a 26-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries.

Georgia’s statement read: “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.

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“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.”

Another statement added: “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 that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”

Devin Willock helped the Georgia offence dominate the TCU Horned Frogs in the championship game on Monday (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

According to ESPN, junior offensive lineman Warren McClendon was also involved in the accident and is in stable condition. The stud tackle, who started 13 games for the Bulldogs this past season, announced on Saturday he was set to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

The fatal crash came hours after the team celebrated winning back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. On Monday night, Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles.

Willock played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs this season. Head coach Kirby Smart released a statement of his own following the tragic news, which read: “We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy.

“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, 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.”

Andrew Gamble