CNN
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Police on Monday identified two passengers injured in the accident fatal single vehicle car accident University of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy said early Sunday morning just hours after his team celebrated their national championship victory.
Shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday, LeCroy, 24, was driving with Willock, 20, and two other passengers near the UGA campus in Athens when the vehicle swerved off the road and crashed 2. I hit a telephone pole and several trees. The ministry made the announcement in a news release.
Willock was thrown from the car and died at the scene, and LeCroy died after being taken to hospital, police said.
According to Police Lieutenant Sean Barnett, “no other passengers disembarked.”
A redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, Willock joined the team as a freshman in 2020 and played on the offensive line in all 15 games for the team last season. LeCroy was UGA’s football his recruitment analyst. her LinkedIn.
Two passengers injured in the crash were identified as Georgia offensive lineman Warren McLendon, 21, who suffered minor injuries, and Victoria Bowles, 26, who was seriously injured, police said. .
McLendon started at right tackle for Georgia this season, Declared for the NFL Draft early SaturdayHis father, Warren McLendon Sr. Athens Banner Herald He needed stitches on his forehead, but is “going well.”
The crash came hours after Sanford Stadium and the surrounding streets were filled with ecstatic fans who came to celebrate the Bulldogs’ victory. 2 years in a row national championshipBy the next morning, however, they had joined the team and mourned the sudden deaths of Willock and LeCroy.
Willock’s aunt and uncle, Sicily and Normal Stout, said their nephew was well-liked and did well in school.
“He got along very well. He was very much loved by all his peers, all his teachers, all his coaches,” said Cicely Stout. “Devin always had a smile on his face no matter what. Devin had a smile on his face and did very well academically. And he was a very good person.”
Willock’s older brother, Jonathan Wheatley, died at the age of 20 after being injured in a similar car accident in 2009.
“He got his way. It was too soon for us,” said Willock’s uncle.
Photos of the crash site taken by nearby residents show a wooden utility pole snapped in half and the frame of the car crushed into the apartment complex.
“That car was dented like a tin can,” apartment complex resident Cecily Panburn told CNN. She explained that she heard a loud bang when the collision happened and then the power went out.
Police say an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Investigators have asked anyone with information to contact authorities.
Two UGA team members several college leaders As a vibrant and valuable presence in the football programme.
“Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, a great teammate and a joy to coach,” head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday. has been an invaluable member of our football staff and brings an incredible attitude and energy every day.”
“These two special people meant the world to our football program and athletic division,” said UGA Athletic Director Josh Brooks. statement“We are working with our medical staff, mental health and performance teams to ensure our staff and student-athletes have all the support they need during this extremely challenging time.”
Willock spent Saturday with his fans and reveled in last week’s victory. One fan in particular spent quality time with Willock in the hours before his death.
Willock met starstruck 7-year-old Kamdin Gonzalez after young fans spotted Willock as he left the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Athens on Saturday.
The player banged his fist on Kamdin, forcing him to try a giant 2021 championship ring.
“He was humble and very grateful that he knew who he was and wanted to talk to him,” said Camdin’s grandfather, Sam Kramer, adding that Willock was “very happy.” I was alive and just happy,” he added.
Local UGA fan Daniel DeWitt told CNN that Willock was “cheerful and happy” as he attended Saturday’s Victory Parade and the team drove past crowds of supporters clad in red and black. .
“It’s just heartbreaking to see the celebration week come to an end. And seeing this player at the parade yesterday and learning that he lost his life early this morning, the whole Bulldog Nation is at a loss. ” said DeWitt.
DeWitt told CNN that he has a 2021 UGA Championship tattoo and plans to get one to coincide with his win this season. This time, he said, it will feature Willock’s number 77.
