UGA Football's Devin Willock, Recruiting Staffer Killed In Crash

ATHENS, GA — University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in an overnight crash in Athens, according to police.

The incident occurred about 2:45 a.m. Sunday, when a 2021 Ford Expedition driven by LeCroy left Barnett Shoals Road, striking two power poles and several trees, Athens-Clarke County police said. Willock, 20, died at the scene, while LeCroy was taken to a hospital where she died of her injuries, according to police.

“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling,” Head Football Coach Kirby Smart said in a prepared statement. “He 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.”

A 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were also in the SUV and suffered injuries, police said, adding the man’s injuries were minor while the woman’s were severe. ESPN reported junior offensive lineman Warren McClendon, who announced his entry into the NFL draft on Saturday, was among those involved in the incident.

The crash occurred hours after a parade to celebrate the Bulldogs' victory Monday in the College Football Playoff National Championship over Texas Christian University.

“We are covering the families of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy in prayer this morning,” UGA Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said in a prepared statement. “We are deeply saddened on the tragic loss of Devin and Chandler, and we will continue to honor their memory in the years to come.”

The UGA Athletic Association said in a prepared statement it would work with its medical, mental health and performance personnel to ensure staff and athletes receive support as they grieve.

Willock, a sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, played in 15 games the past season and started in two on the offensive line, ESPN reported. ESPN Recruiting ranked Willock the No. 39 guard prospect in the U.S. and the No. 17 prospect in New Jersey when he was a senior at Paramus Catholic High School.

LeCroy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports management at UGA, where she had worked as a recruiting analyst since May 2021, according to LinkedIn.