UGA football player’s father, estate seeking $40 million in lawsuit over fatal crash

A new lawsuit filed by late University of Georgia football player Devin Willock’s father and estate claims that UGA’s athletic department should be held liable for a January car crash that killed Willock and a recruiting analyst.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Alan Judd and Dylan Jackson report that the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Gwinnett County, “also assigns blame for the crash to former Georgia defensive star Jalen Carter and to Chandler LeCroy,” the recruiting analyst who died in the crash along with Willock.

The lawsuit also names the owner of an Athens strip club, The AJC adds. Carter, LeCroy and others with the football program had reportedly gathered at Toppers International Showbar before the crash.

“Carter, who is serving 12 months probation on charges related to the crash, was driving on a suspended Florida license when he led LeCroy on a high-speed race through Athens early Jan. 15,” The AJC quotes the lawsuit as saying.

Police later confirmed that LeCroy’s black Ford Expedition, rented by the university, was traveling at more than 100 mph seconds before it left the roadway and struck utility poles, trees and an apartment building.

Willock, 20, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. LeCroy, 24, was pronounced dead at an Athens hospital.

LeCroy’s fellow recruiting analyst Victoria Bowles and offensive lineman Warren McClendon survived the crash. Athens-Clarke police previously determined in its investigation that racing, reckless driving, speed and alcohol impairment contributed to the crash.

The lawsuit was filed by Willock’s father, Dave, and his estate.

>> Stay with 95.5 WSB for more on this developing story.

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