What led to Devin Willock's car crash? Report details reason behind football player and staffer's death
ATHENS, GEORGIA: University of Georgia football player Devin Willock, 20, who played as an offensive lineman and staff member Chandler LeCroy, 24, both died in a car crash that injured two more on Sunday morning, January 15. The accident occurred just hours after the team celebrated its second consecutive national championship win with a parade and ceremony.
According to the crash report released by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the SUV carrying four members of the University of Georgia football program was exceeding the speed limit of 40mph before it hit a curb and drifted away from the roadway, reported CNN.
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The report says the Ford Expedition driven by LeCroy “failed to negotiate a left curve, resulting in the vehicle striking a curb with its front passenger tire and leaving the roadway,” going on to strike a “Power Pole and another utility pole cutting them in half.” After hitting the two poles, the vehicle “struck a tree with its rear passenger quarter panel and caused it to begin rotating clockwise where it struck another tree with its driver’s side,” the report continued.
The report lists the “First Harmful Event” in the accident as the car hitting the curb and the “Most Harmful Event” as the car hitting a tree. Although, it does not specify how fast the vehicle was going. According to the report, alcohol and drug tests were not administered to the driver. The operating condition of the driver was listed as “Unknown.”
Police said the wreck was still under investigation and they have not determined what factors may have contributed to the crash. It may be several days before an accident report is issued.
According to the crash report, Willock, who was seated behind LeCroy, was ejected from the vehicle when it landed against the corner of an apartment building. Victoria Bowles, the 26-year-old sitting in the back seat on the passenger side of the vehicle, sustained multiple injuries during the collision. She was transported to the hospital following the crash. The front seat passenger, identified as 21-year-old Warren McClendon, sustained a laceration to his head during the crash. Reports say Bowles and McClendon both are in stable condition.
Willock, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, LeCroy, was taken to a hospital where she later died from her injuries. LeCroy was a football recruiting analyst for the Bulldogs who previously earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Georgia.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said, "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." Smart said LeCroy 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."