CNN
—
University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in a single car crash early Sunday just hours after their team celebrated their national championship with a victory parade and a celebration, according to a statement from the UGA Athletic Association.
Willock, 20, and LeCroy, 24, were among four people in the vehicle at the time of the crash, which happened around 2:45 a.m. Sunday near the UGA campus in Athens, according to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. .
LeCroy was driving when the 2021 Ford Expedition left the road and hit two utility poles and several trees, police said. Willock died at the scene and LeCroy later died after being taken to hospital, police said.
A 21-year-old passenger and a 26-year-old female passenger were also seriously injured in the crash, police said. The university said the two injured passengers were linked to the football program but did not identify them.
“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletics department,” the UGA Athletic Association said in a statement. “We ask everyone to keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, has played on the offensive line in all 15 games for the team this year, according to Georgia’s football roster.
Hours earlier, UGA players, coaches and fans gathered at Sanford Stadium to celebrate their second consecutive national championship. Many offered condolences and memories of the two.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday morning.
“Devin was an exceptional young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valued member of our football team and brought incredible attitude and energy every day. We mourn with their families this tragic loss and we will support them in any way we can,” added the coach.
University President Jere W. Morehead remembered Willock and LeCroy in a statement Sunday morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragic accident. »
Former Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis, now with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, said in a tweet he was heartbroken. “To see them grow and become like a family over these few years. There is no heartbreak without love, and we love you both like family,” he wrote.
Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith said the deaths “brought me heartbreak, all I have to say is the BIG LEAVE SOON”, he wrote on Twitter. “@DevinWillock I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”
#Football #player #University #Georgia #staff #member #killed #car #accident #hours #championship #celebration #CNN
