A police report lists excessive speed on a road with a 40 mph limit as one of the primary factors in the crash. That killed Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy.
A police report released Tuesday listed excessive speed. On a road with a 40 mph limit as one of the primary causes of the crash.
The wreck happened at 2:45 a.m. Sunday in Athens, less than two miles from the university campus. Hours earlier, the Bulldogs held a parade through town. And a ceremony at Sanford Stadium in honor. Of their second straight national championship.
Wilk, 20, an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy. Died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Two other people were in the car, including offensive lineman Warren McClendon. Who announced Saturday he will enter the NFL draft.
Like LeCroy, McClendon was wearing shoulder. And lap restraints while sitting in the right front passenger seat, police said. He suffered only minor injuries. Which an Athens-Clarke County police report described as a blow to the middle of his head.
Another member of Georgia’s football staff, Victoria Bowles. Was hospitalized with many, serious injuries. He was sitting in the back seat with Willock and was not wearing a seat belt, the report said. Police investigators said the 2021 Ford Expedition “failed to negotiate a left turn. Causing the vehicle to strike the curb with its front passenger tire and leave the roadway. On the west shoulder.”
The SUV hit a Georgia power pole and another utility pole. Snapping them in half, before hitting a tree on the rear passenger quarter panel. This sent the car crashing into another tree. On the driver’s side before spinning clockwise. Where both LeCroy and Willock were sitting.
“This caused the vehicle to spin counter-clockwise. Before coming to a final rest against an apartment building.” The report said, adding that a vehicle parked in front of one of the units was also struck by the out-of-control SUV.
Reports said no alcohol or drug tests were conducted on LeCroy. Although the investigation was ongoing. Investigators did not provide an estimated speed. Nor the condition of the driver at the time of the crash.
The report lists other, unspecified factors as contributors. The accident suddenly turned a festive mood into one of mourning on the Georgia campus.
“Best roommate, teammate and brother I could ever ask for. I’m at a loss for words,” Xavier Truss, who played with Wilk on the offensive line, wrote on Twitter. “I wish I could hear that stupid laugh one last time. Heaven love a good one. Dev.” Love you forever.” Willock was a 6-foot-7, 335-pound redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey.
He played extensively as a backup during the 2022 season. And started at right guard in Southeastern Conference wins over Tennessee and Kentucky.
With McClendon and offensive lineman Warren Erickson both headed to the NFL draft. Wilcox would likely compete for the starting position in 2023. As the Bulldogs look for a third straight national title.
Football programs across the country expressed their condolences. Nebraska posted the names of both Willock and LeCroy on the video board at Memorial Stadium.
“Our hearts are heavy today. No words just prayers for (Georgia Athletics). And Devin and Chandler’s family,” Cornhuskers coach Matt Rule tweeted.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart posted photos of both victims on Twitter hours after the crash.
“Missing you already,” she wrote of Willock. “Thinking of you tonight, Devin.”
Smart said of Lecroy: “Gone too soon. Chandler, I will always remember you for your kind heart.“
