In the University of Georgia’s most extensive commentary on the car crash that killed football player Devon Willock and a recruiting staffer, athletic director Josh Brooks said Tuesday that the two were not working in the athletic department at the time of the incident, which happened at a bullfight. The Canines then celebrated their second straight national title.
The sinking also slightly injured offensive lineman Warren McClendon and seriously injured another recruit.
The incident happened in the early hours of January 1. 15 is not far from the school’s Athens campus, raising questions about the relationship between the athletes and staff of the athletic department.
“Out of respect for the families involved, to date we have made no public statement regarding the circumstances of this tragic accident that killed and injured two people in our campus community,” Brooks said in a statement.
“However, we want the public to know that the Athletic Department is conducting a thorough review in coordination with the appropriate legal counsel to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. We would like to emphasize that these individuals did not engage in the Athletic Department’s responsibilities in approximately this when the incident happened.”
Chandler LeCroy, 24, who works in the recruiting department, was driving the SUV when he swerved off the road, cut through a pair of utility poles, hit two trees and came to a stop against an apartment building.
Willock, 20, was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. LeCroy died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.
McClendon, who declared for the NFL draft hours earlier, was torn in the middle of his head. Another university employee, Victoria Bowles, survived with serious injuries.
The accident followed a parade in Athens and celebrations at Sanford Stadium in honor of Georgia’s 65-7 win over TCU on Jan. 65. 9 National Championship Game.
The police report lists the owner of the 2021 Ford Explorer as EAN Holdings, the official name of a car rental company doing business as Enterprise.
It was not immediately clear who leased the vehicle, although it was similar to the vehicle used by the university for recruiting visits.
Speeding on a road with a speed limit of 40 mph was listed as the cause of the accident, along with other unspecified factors. Police said they were still investigating.
Brooks said the university is cooperating with police and will also review its policies to determine if any changes should be made following the incident. He said football coach Kirby Smart was part of those discussions.
“Our current review is preliminary and the athletic department is cooperating fully with law enforcement to ascertain all of the facts surrounding this tragedy,” Brooks said. Once closed, we will take steps to make any improvements to our policies and procedures that may be needed.”