NFL Draft hopeful faces arrest warrant over street race which killed team-mate

01 March 2023 , 15:58

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Jalen Carter is in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine (Image: AP)

Georgia defensive star Jalen Carter - who could be the first overall pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft - has received an arrest warrant for reckless driving and racing after he was involved in a fatal car crash.

Back in January, Georgia university confirmed both Devin 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 the Sunday morning while police revealed their investigation suggested a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road and struck two power poles and trees. It was confirmed Willock died at the scene at 20 years of age while LeCroy, who was driving, was transported to a local hospital by ambulance but died as a result of her injuries.

However, the ongoing investigation into the January 15 crash has led to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department issuing arrest warrants for Carter. According to the official police report, the investigation reportedly found LeCroy and Carter were driving their vehicles in ‘a matter consistent with racing’ shortly after leaving downtown Athens in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The investigation allegedly discovered both vehicles switches between lanes, drove in the centre turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high speeds in what is deemed to be an attempt to outdistance one another. Shortly before the crash, LeCroy’s 2021 Ford Expedition was travelling at approximately 104 miles per hour while the staff member’s toxicology report read her blood alcohol level was .197 at the time of the accident.

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Investigators have since determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were the significant contributing factors to the crash, while the case has now been given to the Solicitor General’s Office. Mirror Sport have approached the University of Georgia and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for comment.

Jalen Carter was the crown jewel on a dominant Georgia defence that won the National Championship in January (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, is set to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, along with Carter.

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

Georgia’s statement on the crash 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.

“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.”

Carter released a statement late on Wednesday, saying: : “This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanour warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing. Numerous media reports have also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15 2023.

“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanour charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”

Andrew Gamble