ATHENS, Ga. - The family and estate of University of Georgia football player Devin Willock, who was killed in a crash in January 2023, has filed a lawsuit against the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia.
The lawsuit comes nearly two years after the 20-year-old Willock's death in an SUV driven by a recruiting specialist following a national championship celebration in Athens.
The backstory
In January 2023, a crash claimed the life of University of Georgia football player Devin Willock. The 20-year-old was a passenger in a Ford Expedition driven by UGA recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy. The accident occurred along Barnett Shoals Road at approximately 2:45 a.m., following a day of celebrations for the football team's national championship victory. Both Willock and LeCroy were pronounced dead at the scene.
What we know
The lawsuit, filed nearly two years to the day after the incident, targets the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia. It seeks a jury trial and at least $2 million in damages, to be divided equally between Willock's parents and his estate. The legal action claims that LeCroy, 24, had been served alcohol while on duty at UGA Athletics Association events, where she was responsible for transporting recruits and players around Athens. Her blood alcohol content was recorded at .197, more than three times the legal limit.
What they're saying
UGA officials have attributed the crash to LeCroy, stating that she was not authorized to use a university-leased SUV after her recruiting duties concluded. However, Willock's family's lawyers contest this, arguing that LeCroy was instructed to keep the vehicle for the entire weekend to remain "on call" for coaches, recruits, and players. "This tragedy could have been avoided if proper protocols had been followed," the family's attorney asserted.
The other side
The lawsuit also alleges that LeCroy, Willock, and other Georgia players were joined by prospective recruits at a strip club in Athens on the night of the crash, an activity that would breach NCAA rules. Video evidence reportedly shows LeCroy and former Bulldogs star Jalen Carter racing through downtown Athens heading to a Waffle House shortly before the crash.
Earlier this year, the University of Georgia Athletic Association reached a $1.5 million settlement with Victoria "Tori" Bowles, a backseat passenger in the same vehicle who sustained severe injuries. This settlement was separate from the lawsuit filed by Willock's estate.
READ MORE: UGA Athletic Association settles lawsuit over fatal 2023 crash for $1.5M
What's next
As of now, neither side has publicly made statements about the lawsuit.
This article sources details from the Clarke County Clerk of Court with previous details from FOX 5 Atlanta reporting.