Devin Willock's family files $40 million lawsuit against UGA athletics, Jalen Carter, Chandler LeCroy estate

In January, Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and UGA staffer Chandler LeCroy died in a car accident. LeCroy, the driver, was going over 100 mph and had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, according to Athens police. The accident was alleged to be the tragic result of a road race involving star defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who was also reportedly speeding in a separate vehicle and recently pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving charges.

The crash occurred just hours after the parade celebrating Georgia’s second of back-to-back national championships over the last two seasons.

Now, the father of Devin Willock has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Georgia’s athletic department, Carter, and the Chandler LeCroy estate. The lawsuit was filed in Gwinnett County courts. Others named in the lawsuit include Sarchione Auto and Toppers International strip club, where the players and staffers were prior to leaving downtown Athens that night.

The Willock estate is seeking $30 million in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in punitive damages from Carter.

Tom Jones of Channel 2 obtained a copy of the lawsuit.

Dave Willock, the father of Devin Willock, is the court-appointed administrator of his son’s estate. Last month, he brought a $2 million lawsuit against the University of Georgia. That is a separate civil action lawsuit. However, Willock’s mother has challenged that claim. She is arguing that the wrongful death claim is jointly held. That means that she wants Willock’s father to work in corroboration with her and she wants to reserve the right to sue in the future.

In the new lawsuit, Willock’s lawyer claimed, “LeCroy and other recruiting staff members drank alcohol at various events, at times served by caterers working for the athletic association. By the time of the crash, LeCroy’s blood-alcohol content was more than two times greater than the legal limit.”

The university provided LeCroy with the Ford Expedition that was used in the crash. Attorneys for Willock are alleging that university officials were aware of her driving history, which included four speeding tickets in six years.

Jalen Carter was given 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service after he pled no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving charges. The Philadelphia Eagles took him with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft in late April.

The lawsuit says that the defendants knew that Carter had a history of reckless driving and provided him with a vehicle despite this. It also claims that the death occurred while Carter was street racing.

Former Georgia player Warren McClendon and another staffer, Tory Bowles, were also in the accident and suffered injuries.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart on the decision to honor victims of the crash

During the Georgia spring game, the Bulldogs honored Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. After the game, head coach Kirby Smart explained the decision.

“Just thinking about both of them, and wishing they were with us,” stated Smart. “Players wanted to do something to remember those two, and we thought that was a good way to honor them. It was important to honor both of them, and that’s what we did.”