A weekend to celebrate Georgia's second consecutive college football national championship turned tragic early Sunday morning when redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Devin Willock and athletic department staff member Chandler LeCroy were killed in an auto accident.
Willock had posted videos on social media Saturday afternoon of the parade in Athens that preceded the formal ceremony inside Sanford Stadium.
"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. 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."
Willock, a 6-foot-7, 335-pounder from New Milford, New Jersey, played in all 15 victories this past season for the Bulldogs and started at right guard for an injured Tate Ratledge in the wins over Tennessee and Kentucky. LeCroy is a Georgia graduate who has worked as a recruiting analyst since the spring of 2021.
Their deaths elicited responses from coaches, players and universities throughout the country.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at Georgia," Tennessee coach Josh Heupel posted on social media. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Devin and Chandler."
According to a statement from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the single-vehicle crash involving a 2021 Ford Expedition occurred around 2:45 a.m. An initial investigation indicated that the SUV departed the road in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road and struck two power poles and several trees.
Willock died at the scene, according to police, while LeCroy, the driver of the vehicle, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and died from her resulting injuries. Another male passenger sustained minor injuries, while another female passenger sustained serious injuries.
Multiple media outlets reported Sunday that redshirt junior right tackle Warren McClendon was the other male passenger. McClendon had announced Saturday that he was bypassing his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
Jackson to Indiana
Former Tennessee quarterback Tayven Jackson, who entered the NCAA transfer portal this past Friday, announced Sunday that he will be continuing his career at Indiana. The 6-3, 200-pounder is from the Hoosier State and is the younger brother of Indiana basketball player Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com.