ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia football player Devin Wheelock and a member of the recruiting staff were killed in a car crash in Athens early Sunday morning, the university confirmed in a statement.
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, N.J., started two games on the offensive line last season. Chandler LeCroy, a member of the recruiting staff, was also killed, according to the university.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Wheelock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy,” the university said in a statement. “As a result of the accident, two more members of the football program were injured, the condition of both of them is stable, and we will continue to monitor their status with the medical staff.
“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 at this very difficult time.”
“We are all heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Devin Wheelock and Chandler LeCroy,” Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. “Devin was a wonderful young man in every way. He always had a smile, was a great teammate and made the coach happy. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every day. We grieve with them. to the families for this tragic loss and we will support them in every way.”
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and Bulldogs senior linebacker Nolan Smith wrote on Twitter react to the news.
In a statement, Athens-Clarke County Police said the one-vehicle crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Sunday. A preliminary investigation indicated a 2021 Ford Expedition left the road in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road and struck two utility poles and several trees, police said.
Police said Wheelock was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 20 years old. LeCroy, who was driving the car, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and died from his injuries.
The 21-year-old male passenger received minor injuries, and the 26-year-old female passenger received serious injuries.
The wreck came hours after the Bulldogs celebrated back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated TCU 65-7 in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night in Los Angeles.
“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team, as well as our mental health and performance staff, to ensure that we provide the best support possible to our staff and student-athletes as they process this grief,” the university said in a statement. . “We cannot comment further at this time, but we ask that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”
The 6-foot-7, 335-pound Willock played in all 15 games for the Bulldogs last season, including starting at right guard in wins over Tennessee and Kentucky. He was ranked the No. 39 guard prospect in the nation and No. 17 in New Jersey by ESPN Recruiting out of Paramus Catholic High School in 2020.
According to LeCroy’s LinkedIn account, he has worked as a recruiting analyst in Georgia since May 2021. She previously worked as a training specialist and sports marketing promotion intern for a sports association. A native of Toccoa, Georgia, LeCroy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sports administration and policy from UGA, according to his LinkedIn account.
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