CNN
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University of Georgia football player Devin Willock and football staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in a single-car crash early Sunday morning. National Championship With a victory parade and celebration, according to a statement UGA Athletic Association.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Willock, 20, and Leroy, 24, were among four people in the vehicle when the crash happened around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, not far from the UGA campus in Athens. .
LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition when it veered off the road and struck two power poles and several trees, police said. Willock died at the scene and Leroy died after being taken to a hospital, police said.
Police said that a 21-year-old male passenger and a 26-year-old female passenger were seriously injured in the accident. The university said the two injured passengers were related to the football program, but did not identify them.
“Both Devin and Chandler are two very special individuals who have been very important to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department,” the UGA Athletic Association said in a statement. “We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this difficult time.”
Willock, a redshirt sophomore from New Milford, New Jersey, played in all 15 of the team’s games this year on the offensive line. Football roster of Georgia.
Hours ago, the UGA players, coaches and fans were packed Celebrated their second consecutive national championship at Sanford Stadium. Many offered condolences and memories of both.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” UGA head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement Sunday morning.
“Devin was a great young man in every way. He was always smiling, a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valued member of our football staff and brought incredible attitude and energy every day. Our condolences go out to his family for this tragic loss and we wish them all the best. Let’s support all the way,” the coach added.
University President Ger W. Morehead remembered Willock and Lecroy in a statement Sunday morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends. And we pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragic accident,” he said.
Former Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis, now with the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, said in a tweet He was heartbroken. “In these few years we see them grow and become like family. There is no grief without love and we love you both like family,” he wrote.
Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith said the deaths “break my heart, and the greats are gone too soon.” he wrote on Twitter. “@DevinWillock I love you forever.”