Mike White comments on death of Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy

Hearts are heavy around the University of Georgia campus following the passing of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy on Sunday from a car accident. For the players on the Bulldogs basketball team, many of whom were close friends with Willock, things have been especially hard.

Georgia basketball coach Mike White addressed the tragedy with his team in a Sunday film session as they prepare to face Kentucky on Tuesday. There White allowed his players an open forum to express how they felt, hoping the team can work through their emotions together and remember the lives of Willock and LeCroy.

“That was the first thing we talked about when we came in yesterday to watch film,” White said. “Really just offered my condolences to our guys who were close with Devin. A couple of our guys in particular, Jabri (Abdur-Rahim) and Kario (Oquendo). Offered guys an opportunity to talk and express themselves.

“Guys were pretty somber. The mood was somber, as it is throughout campus I imagine. Tragic. Sad. Thoughts and prayers with the families and with the entire football program. We’ve got to count our blessings. It’s just a tough time around here.”

As they work through their emotions, the Bulldogs basketball players will hope to honor the lives of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy with their play Tuesday. Tip-off for the game against Kentucky is set for 9 p.m. ET on the road in Lexington.

More on the passing of Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy

The car crash occurred 12 hours after Georgia celebrated its second straight national championship with a victory parade and event at Sanford Stadium.

LeCroy was the driver of the vehicle, a 2021 Ford Expedition, which was traveling southbound on Barrett Shoals Road before leaving the road and striking two power poles along with several trees. Police responded at 2:45 a.m. Willock died at the scene, while LeCroy was taken to a local hospital before passing away.

Offensive tackle Warren McClendon and recruiting staffer Tory Bowles were also passengers in the vehicle. They were both taken to the hospital after suffering injuries and, thankfully, are said to be in stable condition. McClendon’s injuries are reportedly minor, whereas Bowles’ are more serious.

Willock, a New Jersey native, had just wrapped up his third season at Georgia, where he appeared in all 15 games and started two of them. LeCroy was a UGA graduate with a masters in sports management and policy.