Devin Willock and UGA staffer Chandler LeCroy pass away in a car crash

A car crash at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday morning has claimed the life of 20-year-old Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock.

Chandler LeCroy, a Georgia recruiting staffer, has also passed away due to her injuries. LeCroy was driving the Ford Expedition as it left Barnett Shoals roadway and struck two power poles and multiple trees.

Offensive lineman Warren McClendon was in the car and sustained light injuries. He has been released from the hospital. A second Georgia recruiting staffer, Tory Bowles, suffered more serious injuries but is in stable condition per a statement from the UGA Athletic Association.

Willock redshirted as a freshman in 2020. He worked his way up the depth chart and appeared in 12 games for Georgia in 2021, including the College Football Playoff wins over Michigan and Alabama.

The New Jersey native saw his biggest role yet this past season. Willock appeared in all 15 games, serving as a critical piece to the rotation strategy the Bulldogs employed all season long. He saw action at both right and left guard, helping lead Georgia to a second straight national championship.

"On January 15, 2023, at approximately 2:45AM, ACCPD responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road. Initial investigation indicates that a 2021 Ford Expedition was traveling southbound in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road when the vehicle left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees. A passenger, Devin Willock, 20, died at the scene as a result of his injuries. The driver, Chandler LeCroy, 24, was transported by EMS to a local hospital where she died as a result of her injuries. A 21-year-old male passenger sustained minor injuries and a 26-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Lieutenant Butt at 762-400-7090 or via email at john.butt@accgov.com.This is the first fatal motor vehicle crash of 2023 in Athens-Clarke County."

Statement from the UGA Athletic Association

“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.

“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.”

“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.”