UGA Player's Family Files $40M Lawsuit In Fatal Crash: Report

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — The family of a University of Georgia football player who died in a January crash that also killed a UGA staffer and injured two other people is seeking $40 million in a lawsuit against the university, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

UGA football player Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the Athens crash near Barnett Shoals Road. A second football player and a second university employee were injured in the accident. UGA football player Jalen Carter pleaded no contest to reckless driving and racing charges relating to the crash.

The lawsuit was filed by Willock's father, Dave Willock, and his estate, the AJC reported.

“Lawsuits are about accountability and justice, and Mr. Willock is seeking accountability for all those involved in the death of his son Devin and justice for Devin,” Attorney William Stiles, who is representing the family, told the AJC.

The university released the following statement to Patch Thursday on the pending lawsuit:

“The attorneys who filed the complaint have refused to provide any factual basis for their claims against the Athletic Association, and we believe the evidence will prove them to be without merit. We intend to strongly dispute these baseless allegations in court,” university officials said in the statement.

Police said LeCroy was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition while Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk when the two were racing around 2:30 a.m.

Both cars were switching lanes, driving in the center turn lane and drove in opposite lanes while overtaking other cars and driving fast to speed past one another, police said.

The Expedition was going at 104 mph before crashing, police said. The SUV left the roadway, splitting two power poles in half after hitting them and eventually landing against a nearby apartment building.

A toxicology report showed LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash, police said.

Alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were contributing factors in the crash, police said.

UGA said in January it is investigating the circumstances of the crash, which occurred after the Georgia Bulldogs celebrated a championship win.

Patch is working to contact the family attorney.