Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock has passed away following an early morning car accident in Athens. Bulldogs football recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy was also sadly killed in the single-vehicle incident.
Georgia OL Devin Willock Killed in Athens Car Accident
Just hours after celebrating the second consecutive College Football National Championship with a parade in Athens, the Georgia football program is mourning the loss of two of their own following what is described as a single-vehicle accident in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Offensive lineman Willock, a redshirt sophomore who played a role in every game for the Bulldogs during their undefeated run to an unprecedented national title in the College Football Playoff era, was pronounced dead on the scene.
Although LeCroy was transported to the hospital, the 24-year-old Toccoa native sadly passed away from injuries sustained in the accident.
It was later revealed that another Georgia offensive lineman, Warren McClendon, and recruiting staff member Tori Bowles were the previously unnamed duo also in the car. McClendon, who recently declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, and Bowles are thought to be in a stable condition in hospital.
The university released a heartfelt statement on Sunday morning.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the college football world has come together in an outpouring of grief and support for the family and friends of those who have sadly lost their lives. Social media timelines are full of messages from teammates, including NFL-bound Nolan Smith, who tweeted:
“My this s**t hurt my heart man, all I have to say the GREAT ONE LEAVE TO (sic) SOON. @DevinWillock I LOVE YOU FOREVER.”
Poignantly, one of the top posts on Twitter features a message from a Georgia fan posted hours before the accident with special thanks to Willock for taking time to pose for photos with his grandson in a reminder of the human nature behind the athletes that fill our screens on fall Saturdays.
In addition to his on-field success with the Bulldogs, Willock was a First-Year Southeastern Conference Academic Honoree in 2020 as he walked towards an intended major in Risk Management & Insurance.
The former Paramus Catholic High School star, a New Milford native, was a three-star recruit in the 2020 class who was viewed as a consensus top-25 prospect from the state of New Jersey.
Having redshirted in 2020, he earned more playing time in 2021 after making his debut as a backup offensive tackle against UAB. In addition to playing in all 15 games of the national title-winning season, Willock made starts at right guard in pivotal games against Tennessee and Kentucky.
While their loss to the football team is significant, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reflected on the personal loss that the passing of Willock and LeCroy leaves on the Bulldogs family.
“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.”
