Georgia football player dies in crash: What we know about Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy

A Georgia football player and team staff member were killed in an early-morning car crash in Athens, Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Devin Willock, a 20-year-old offensive lineman, and Chandler LeCroy, a 24-year-old recruiting staffer and UGA graduate, died after the Ford Expedition LeCroy was driving crashed on Barnett Shoals Road. Athens-Clarke County police responded to the one-vehicle crash at 2:45 a.m.

Willock died at the scene of his injuries, police said. LeCroy was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died.

Police said two other passengers were hurt in the crash: A 26-year-old woman had serious injuries, and a 21-year-old man had minor injuries. The male passenger was confirmed to be Warren McClendon, a starting offensive lineman for Georgia and Willock's roommate.

The crash occurred about 12 hours after the UGA football team celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade that ended with an event at Sanford Stadium.

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Here's what we know:

Who is Devin Willock?

Devin Willock was a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore offensive lineman from New Milford, New Jersey. He was a three-star prospect out of Paramus Catholic High School, according to 247 Sports.

After redshirting the 2020 season at Georgia, Willock played in 12 games in 2021, including both the College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Michigan and the national championship game vs. Alabama. He played in all 13 games this season, including starts at guard against Tennessee on Nov. 5 and Kentucky on Nov. 19.

Who is Chandler LeCroy?

Chandler LeCroy was a 24-year-old recruiting analyst for the Georgia football team and a UGA grad.

LeCroy was a leadership graduate of Stephens County High in Toccoa and a “Double Dawg,” with a bachelor's degree in sports management and a masters degree in sport management and policy at UGA, according to her LinkedIn page.

What caused the crash?

The crash is still under investigation. According to Athens-Clarke County police, a 2021 Ford Expedition driven by LeCroy was heading south in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road about 2:45 a.m. Sunday when the vehicle left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees.

The crash occurred in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road. Power was lost in some homes in the area about the time of the crash, police said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Lt. John Butt at 706-400-7090 or email john.butt@acc.gov.com

Who was involved in the crash?

The Ford Expedition was the only vehicle involved in the crash, police said. Willock died at the scene, while LeCroy was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died.

Two other members of the Georgia football program were in the car, UGA Athletics said. Police said a 26-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and a 21-year-old man had minor injuries.

“They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel,” UGA Athletics said.

Was Warren McClendon in the crash?

Warren McClendon, Georgia's starting tackle for the past three seasons, was a passenger in the crash, his father confirmed.

“Lil Warren was in the car that was involved in the accident and he is doing well,” Warren McClendon Sr. said in a text to the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday afternoon. “We are asking everyone to pray for Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy’s family. We are with lil Warren and will let everyone know more later. Thank you for your prayers.”

McClendon declared for the NFL Draft on Saturday. He was roommates with Willock.

"He is devastated about the loss of his roommate and close friend,” Warren McClendon Sr. said.

What did Kirby Smart and UGA Athletics say about the crash?

Kirby Smart released a statement on social media:

“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, 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. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”

Here's what the UGA Athletic Association said in a 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."

Here's what Athletic Director Josh Brooks said in a statement:

"We are covering the families of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy in prayer this morning. 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. "These two special people meant the world to our football program and athletic department. We are working with our medical staff and mental health and performance team to ensure our staff and student-athletes have all the support they need during this extremely difficult time."

Here's what Georgia President Jere Morehead said in a statement:

"On behalf of the University of Georgia, our entire campus grieves for the loss of two young members of our campus community—student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragic accident."

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey also released a statement:

"We join the University of Georgia community in mourning the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. The Southeastern Conference family sends its condolences to the families, friends, teammates, classmates and everyone close to these young people who left us too soon. Our prayers today are with everyone at the University of Georgia."

Twitter reacts to Devin Willock's death

Former Georgia Bulldog David Pollack was among the college football community to offer their condolences to Willock, LeCroy and UGA.

Who is number 77 for the Georgia Bulldogs?

Willock wore No. 77 for UGA the past two seasons.

OnlineAthens' Georgia Bulldogs reporter Marc Weiszer contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football player Devin Willock, staffer Chandler LeCroy killed