Credit: Tariq Zehawi/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
School officials say the use of the SUV involved in an accident that killed a Georgia football player and a recruiting staff member two weeks ago was not authorized.
The university’s athletic association told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the vehicle was to be used only for recruiting activities and that personal use was “strictly prohibited.”
Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock, 20, and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy, 24, died in the crash that occurred hours after a parade celebrating the team’s second straight national championship.
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks confirmed earlier this week that no one riding in the vehicle was on athletic department business.
“The car driven in the accident was one of several vehicles leased by our athletic department for use during recruiting activities only,” the athletic association said in its statement.
“Policies and expectations that were well understood by athletics staff dictated that such rental vehicles were to be turned in at the immediate conclusion of recruiting duties. Personal use was strictly prohibited. Therefore, the continued use of the leased car by our staff members after their recruiting duties ended earlier that evening was unauthorized.”
Another player and staff member were injured in the accident near the campus in Athens, Ga. A police report this week cited excessive speed (64 mph) on a road with a 40-mph speed limit as a primary cause. LeCroy was driving the vehicle.
Per the Athens-Clarke County Police, the accident involving a 2021 Ford Expedition occurred around 2:45 a.m. ET on Jan. 15. The initial investigation found that the SUV left the road and struck two power poles and several trees.
Willock played in 12 games during the 2021 national championship season. The New Jersey native played in all 15 games (two starts) on the offensive line during the 2022 title-winning campaign.
–Field Level Media