Authorities in Athens-Clarke County have been conducting an investigation into a tragic incident on January 15 involving a fatal crash that claimed the lives of a University of Georgia (UGA) football player and a staff member, while also injuring two others.
The incident occurred shortly after the UGA football program’s celebratory parade for securing back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships. The victims identified are recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, 24, and UGA offensive lineman Devin Willock, 20, who both lost their lives. Offensive tackle Warren McClendon, 21, and recruiting analyst Victoria Bowles, 26, survived the crash.
Following weeks of inquiry, law enforcement has concluded that factors such as racing, reckless driving, excessive speed, and alcohol impairment were contributing elements to the tragic event. A toxicology report revealed that LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .197, more than double the legal limit.
It was determined that LeCroy was engaged in a race with UGA star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, leading to police issuing warrants for Carter’s arrest on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing.
The incident was reported at 2:45 a.m. on Barnett Shoals Road, with a 2021 Ford Expedition, traveling south in the outside lane, leaving the roadway and colliding with two power poles and multiple trees.
Chandler LeCroy, the driver, and Devin Willock, the driver’s side passenger, lost their lives, while Warren McClendon and Victoria Bowles, on the passenger side, sustained injuries.
A recently released police report emphasized that excessive speed was a significant factor in the crash, although the exact speed of LeCroy’s vehicle was not specified. Further investigation is ongoing to ascertain additional details that may have contributed to the tragic incident.
