CNN
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University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and staffer Chandler Lecroy were killed in a single car accident early Sunday just hours after their team celebrated it. International tournament With the victory parade and celebration, according to a statement from UGA Athletic Association.
Willock, 20, and Lecroy, 24, were among four people who were in the vehicle at the time of the crash, which occurred around 2:45 a.m. Sunday near the UGA campus in Athens, according to the Athens-Clark County Sheriff’s Department. .
Police said Lecroy was driving when the 2021 Ford Expedition left the road and crashed into two power poles and several trees. Police said Willock died at the scene and Lecroix later died after being taken to hospital.
A 21-year-old passenger and a 26-year-old female passenger were also seriously injured in the accident, according to police. The university said the two injured were linked to the football program, but did not identify them.
“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department,” the UGA Athletic Association said in a statement. “We ask everyone to keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, has played offensive line in all 15 of the team’s games this year, according to List of football teams in Georgia.
“We are saddened and saddened by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler Lecroy,” UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday morning.
“Devin was a fantastic guy in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and was a pleasure to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football team, with an amazing attitude and incredible energy every day. We mourn with their families for this Tragic loss and we will support them in every way we can.”
The fatal accident came a day after the celebration of the name Packed for UGA players, coaches, and fans at Sanford Stadium in honor of their second straight national championship.
At the Texas Roadhouse in Athens on Saturday, a 7-year-old Georgia fan named Camden Gonzalez met Willock and took a photo together. The 6-foot-7, 335-pound lineman gave the boy a fist and let him wear his 2021 colossal national championship ring.
“Special thanks @DevinWillock for making time for my grandson when he didn’t have to. You went out of your way to make him feel special and made his day!! Good luck next year! Go Dogs!” The boy’s grandfather, Sam Kramer, wrote in a tweet.
Grandpa said Camden was touched by the stars after meeting one of his heroes. Meanwhile, added Kramer, Willock seemed “full of life and just happy”. “He was very humble and appreciative because we knew who he was and wanted to talk to him.”
Former Georgia linebacker Jordan Davis, now with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, he said in a tweet He was heartbroken. “Watching them grow and become like family over these few years. There is no grief without love, and we love both of you as family.”
Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith said the deaths “hurt my heart, all I have to say are the greats are leaving soon,” wrote on Twitter. “DevinWilock I love you forever.”
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