Georgia National Champion Devin Willock and a recruiter die in a car accident

Two members of the University of Georgia football team — offensive lineman Devin Willock and football recruiting staff Chandler LeCroy — were killed in a car crash early Sunday morning.

Police responded at 2:45 this morning to a report of a crashed 2021 Ford Expedition in Athens, Georgia.

Willock was a passenger in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 20 years old.

The car was driven by LeCroy – who was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance but died shortly after. She was 24 years old.

Two other unidentified occupants in the car – a 21-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman – were also seriously injured in the crash. Both are in stable condition.

According to ESPN sources, junior offensive lineman Warren McClendon was involved in the crash but stable. Just a day earlier, McClendon had signed up for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Georgia OL Devin Willock was found dead at the scene of a car accident in Athens, GA on Sunday

The vehicle was being driven by 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, who was taken to the hospital by ambulance but died shortly thereafter

A statement from the University of Georgia Athletics lamented the loss of Willock and LeCroy while confirming that the other two injured passengers were members of the football program.

“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student Devin Willock and football employee 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 condition with medical staff.

“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 everyone to keep their families in your prayers at this very difficult time.

“The UGA Athletic Association will be working with our medical team, as well as our mental health and performance staff, to ensure we are providing the best possible support to our staff and student athletes who are processing this grief.

“We are unable to comment further at this time but ask everyone to continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”

As a redshirt sophomore, Willock played in all 15 games for the Dawgs, including two starts

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey posted on Twitterand said: “Incredibly sad news and we join to share our sympathy, prayers and support.”

So did Bulldog teammate and senior linebacker Nolan Smith posted his thoughts and feelings on Twitter subsequently.

“Gosh this doesn’t hurt my heart man all I have to say is the BIG LEAVE TO (sic) SOON,” the tweet read. ‘@DevinWillock I LOVE YOU FOREVER.’

Just hours earlier, Willock had been with his teammates in a victory parade in the Athens area.

Willock posted several videos of the celebrations on his Instagram account, with the lineman smiling and celebrating happily alongside them.

A redshirt sophomore, Willock played all 15 games that season for the Dawgs – including the national title shot and starting in games against Tennessee and Kentucky.

Willock has been ranked by ESPN as the #39 guard in the country and the #17 lookout out of his home state of New Jersey.

Earlier that day, Willock posted several videos on Instagram to celebrate with his team

Last week, Georgia defeated TCU 68-7 for the school’s second consecutive soccer title

Chandler LeCroy was a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education, according to her LinkedIn page.

Born in Georgia, she received her Bachelor of Education in Sports Management in 2020 and graduated in 2021 with a Masters in Sports Management and Policy.

LeCroy spent four years in the school’s athletic department – starting as a sports marketing advertising intern before taking on the position of football recruitment analyst in May 2021.

LeCroy graduated from UGA in 2021 with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management

The Georgia native has been a football recruiting analyst with the Bulldogs since May 2021