Georgia OL Willock, hiring staffer die in crash
ATHENS, Georgia– Georgia football player Devin Willock and a recruiting team member were eliminated in a cars and truck wreck in Athens early Sunday morning, the university verified in a statement.Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, started two games on the offensive line this past season. Recruiting employee Chandler LeCroy was also eliminated, according to the university.
“The entire Georgia household is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football team member Chandler LeCroy,” the university declaration stated. “Two other members of the football program were injured in the mishap. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical workers.
“Devin and Chandler were two unique individuals who suggested so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everybody keep their families in your prayers during this really difficult time.”
“We are all sad and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. “Devin was an outstanding boy in every way. He was constantly smiling, was a terrific colleague and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an extraordinary attitude and energy each and every single day. We grieve with their families for this awful loss and will support them in every way possible.”
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and Bulldogs senior linebacker Nolan Smith took to Twitter to respond to the news.In a statement, Athens-Clarke County Authorities reported the single-vehicle accident happened around 2:45 a.m. ET on Sunday. Cops said the initial investigation indicated that a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road and struck two power poles and a number of trees.Police stated Willock died at the scene. He was 20. LeCroy, who was driving, was transferred to a local healthcare facility by ambulance and passed away as an outcome of her injuries. A 21-year-old male passenger sustained small injuries, and a 26-year-old female guest sustained serious injuries.Sources told ESPN on Sunday that junior offensive lineman Warren McClendon was also associated with the crash and remains in steady condition. McClendon, from Brunswick, Georgia, announced on Saturday that he is getting in the NFL draft. A 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive deal with, McClendon started 13 games for the Bulldogs this past season.The wreck came hours after the Bulldogs commemorated gaining back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff Championship Game in Los Angeles on Monday night.” The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as
well as our mental health and efficiency personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this sorrow,”the university said in a statement.”We can supply no further comment at this time but ask that everybody continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”The 6-foot-7, 335-pound Willock played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs this previous season, including starts at right
guard in victories versus Tennessee and Kentucky. He was ranked the No. 39 guard possibility in the nation and No. 17 possibility in New Jersey by ESPN Hiring as a senior at Paramus Catholic High School in 2020. According to LeCroy’s LinkedIn account, she had actually worked as a recruiting expert at Georgia given that Might 2021. She had previously worked as a learning specialist and sports marketing promotions intern for the athletic association. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, LeCroy had actually received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in sports management and policy from UGA, according to her LinkedIn account.