CNN
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University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and staffer Chandler LeCroy came hours after their team celebrated the national title with a victory parade and celebration, according to a statement from the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. Died earlier in a car accident.
Willock, 20, and Lekoy, 24, were among the four people in the vehicle when the crash occurred around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, not far from the UGA campus in Athens, according to the Athens-Clark County Police Department. . .
LeCroy was driving the 2021 Ford Expedition when it went off the road and hit two utility poles and several trees, police said. Willock died at the scene and LeCroy died at the hospital, police said.
A 21-year-old male passenger and a 26-year-old female passenger were also seriously injured in the crash, according to police. The university said the two injured passengers were connected to the football program, but did not identify them.
“Devin and Chandler are two special individuals who mean so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department,” the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association said in a statement. “We ask everyone’s prayers for their families during this very difficult time.”
Willock, a redshirt sophomore out of New Milford, N.J., has appeared on the offensive line in all 15 of the team’s games this year, according to the Georgia Football roster.
“We are all heartbroken over the loss of Devon Willock and Chandler LeCoy,” UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday morning.
“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, a fantastic teammate and a pleasure to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and he Both brought incredible attitude and energy. We mourn this tragic loss with their families and will support them in every way possible,” the coach added.
The fatal crash came after a day of celebrations as UGA players, coaches and fans packed Sanford Stadium to mark their second straight national title.
At a Texas roadhouse in Athens on Saturday, a 7-year-old Georgia fan named Camdyn Gonzales met Willock and posed for photos. The 6-foot-7, 335-pound lineman gave the boy a fistful of the massive 2021 national championship ring.
“Special thanks to @DevinWillock for taking time out of my grandson’s time when he didn’t have to. You went out of your way to make him feel special and you made his day!! Best of luck for next year! Go guys! Grandfather of the boy Sam Kramer tweeted.
The grandfather said Camudin was star-struck after meeting one of his heroes. Meanwhile, Willock seemed “full of energy and very happy,” Kramer added. “He was very humble and very grateful that we knew who he was and wanted to talk to him.”
Former Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis, now with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, said in a tweet He was heartbroken. “Watching them grow and become like family over the years. There is no grief without love and we love you all like family,” he wrote.
Georgia guard Nolan Smith said the death “brokes my heart, man, and all I can say is that great people are leaving soon,” he tweeted. “@DevinWillock I will always love you.”