University of Georgia football player, staffer die in car crash hours after celebrating championship

Two other people were injured in the accident.
Devin Willock, Inglewood, Calif., Jan. 9, 2023

University of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and football team staff member Chandler LeCroy died in a car crash early Sunday morning just hours after the team celebrated a national championship victory, officials said. 

Two other members of the football program are in stable condition after they were also injured in the accident, the UGA Athletic Association said. The two other people have not been identified. 

"On behalf of the University of Georgia, our entire campus grieves for the loss of two young members of our campus community—student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy," university President Jere Morehead said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. We also pray for the full recovery of those injured in this tragic accident."

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said the single-vehicle crash occurred in Athens around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, according to local outlet 11 Alive

Authorities said they found that a Ford Expedition "left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees."

The Georgia team on Saturday celebrated its 65-7 victory over Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff National Championship earlier in the week.