Former Georgia staffer settles claim with UGA athletics, still pursuing lawsuit against Jalen Carter for fatal 2023 car crash

Former staff member Victoria “Tory” Bowles and the University of Georgia Athletic Association in August reached a settlement for the lawsuit Bowles was bringing against the Bulldogs, according to multiple reports. Bowles’ claim stemmed from the 2023 car crash that killed staffer Chandler LeCroy and offensive lineman Devin Willock.

The details of the settlement with the athletic department have not been revealed. Bowles also named then-Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter as a defendant in her lawsuit, and that claim remains active. The lawsuit is also seeking damages from LeCroy’s estate.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“Ms. Bowles will continue to seek justice in relation to her life-altering injuries against Jalen Carter, his LLC, and Ms. LeCroy’s estate,” Rob Buck, Bowles’ attorney, said to the Athens Banner-Herald. A Georgia athletics spokesperson also confirmed the settlement with the Banner-Herald.

After she filed the lawsuit while on unpaid leave, Georgia fired Bowles.

Bowles’ lawsuit, filed in July 2023, argued Georgia was negligent for allowing LeCroy to drive an SUV rented by the athletic department, as the athletic department was aware LeCroy had committed multiple driving violations. Georgia countered that LeCroy was not permitted to be driving that rented vehicle on the night of the crash.

Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW

Carter and LeCroy were allegedly racing and traveling at speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour after they had been out drinking, celebrating Georgia’s win in the national championship of the 2022 College Football Playoff. Bowles was a backseat passenger in the SUV that LeCroy crashed.

According to the suit filed by Bowles sought damages from LeCroy’s estate. According to the complaint, Bowles has racked up north of $170,000 in medical costs and suffers from “likely permanent disability,” as a result of her injuries. Those injuries listed in the lawsuit include a trio of lumbar (lower back) fractures, five fractured vertebrae, 10 broken ribs, broken and cracked teeth, a broken clavicle, lacerations to her liver and kidney, a punctured lung that collapsed and abdominal bleeding.

Additionally, Bowles suffered a “closed head injury” causing severe eye pain and neurological damage. According to her neurosurgeon, there is significant damage to the membrane protecting her spinal cord, putting Bowles at risk of permanent paralysis, per the suit.

“The Parties agreed to resolve Ms. Bowles’ claim to avoid further litigation, without either party admitting fault or assigning fault,” a Georgia spokesperson texted the Banner-Herald to confirm the news.