Georgia OL Devin Willock shared special moment with young Bulldogs fan, just hours before fatal car crash
ATHENS, GEORGIA: Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock made a young fan's day just hours before he tragically died in a car crash on Sunday, January 15. One UGA fan shared a special moment between his grandson and Willock on the night before the crash that killed the football player.
Another UGA football staff member Chandler LeCroy also died and two other UGA football staff members were injured. Sam Kramer shared photos of his grandson Camdyn meeting Willock at the Longhorn Steakhouse in Athens on Saturday, January 14, hours before the fatal crash at 2.45 am, early Sunday morning. Camdyn was seen in the snaps beaming and even got to try on Willock’s championship ring.
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Speaking to ABC News, Kramer said he recognized Willock at the restaurant and asked for a photo. The redshirt sophomore then introduced himself to Kramer's grandson. “Devin’s smile never left him. He talked to Camdyn for what seemed like forever,” Kramer told the outlet. The doting grandfather tweeted, “Special thank u to @DevinWillock for taking time for my grandson when he didn’t have to. U went out of ur way to make him feel special and U made his day!! Good luck next year! Go Dawgs!”
Special thank u to @DevinWillock for taking time for my grandson when he didn’t have to. U went out of ur way to make him feel special and U made his day!! Good luck next year! Go Dawgs! pic.twitter.com/3pgfXAMBFQ
— Sam Kramer 🖤❤🐶 (@samkramer76) January 14, 2023
Tragedy befell the next morning. The UGA Athletic Association revealed that Willock and LeCroy were killed in a car crash in Athens, Georgia, in the early hours of Sunday. Two other UGA staff members were also injured but are in a stable condition. "We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. "Devin was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling. 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. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible," Smart added.
Police confirmed that Willock was a passenger in an SUV that crashed in Athens around 2:45 am local time. The vehicle was reportedly traveling in the outside lane when it left the roadway and struck two power poles and a a couple of trees. Willock was dead at the scene. LeCroy, who was driving, was rushed to a hospital where she also later died, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Willock, a backup offensive lineman on the Bulldogs who played in every regular season game, was born in Paramus, New Jersey, in 2002. He attended Paramus Catholic High School before enrolling at the University of Georgia. A redshirt sophomore, Willock played for the Dawgs in all 15 games this season, including the national championship game, and made his debut against Tennessee and Kentucky. He also played in the SEC Championship and in both College Football Playoff games. ESPN listed Willock as the No 17 prospect from his home state of New Jersey and the No 39 guard in the nation for the recruiting class of 2020. He was just 20 years old at the time of his death.