Rome News-Tribune

Bulldogs’ Willock, recruiting staffer Lecroy killed in car wreck

- By Creg Stephenson al.com

Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler Lecroy were killed in a car accident early Sunday morning in Athens, the school’s athletic department announced.

The tragic news comes hours after the Bulldogs held an on-campus celebratio­n and parade Saturday for their second straight national championsh­ip. Georgia beat TCU 65-7 in last Monday’s title game in Los Angeles.

Two other members of the Georgia football program, who have yet to be publicly identified, were also injured in the wreck. The university released the following statement:

“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.”

Willock, who was 20, recently completed his redshirt sophomore season. A New Jersey native, he played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs in 2022, starting at right guard against Tennessee and Kentucky.

Lecroy, who was 24, worked as an analyst in the Bulldogs’ football recruiting office. According to her Linkedin profile, she graduated from Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Ga., in 2016 and held bachelors and Master’s degrees in education from Georgia.

According to Dawgnation.com, the wreck happened at approximat­ely 2:45 a.m. off Barnett Shoals Road in Athens. Willock died at the scene, while Lecroy, who was the driver, later died at a local hospital.

 ?? UGA Sports Communicat­ions — Tony Walsh ?? Devin Willock was a sophomore offensive lineman who played a combined 27 games during Georgia’s consecutiv­e national championsh­ip seasons.
UGA Sports Communicat­ions — Tony Walsh Devin Willock was a sophomore offensive lineman who played a combined 27 games during Georgia’s consecutiv­e national championsh­ip seasons.

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