Former Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle and projected top 2023 NFL Draft pick Jalen Carter is facing an arrest warrant for his involvement in the fatal Jan. 15 crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy.
- Jalen Carter stats (career): 18.5 tackles for loss, six sacks
The fatal crash occurred days after Georgia won its second consecutive national championship game. LeCroy was driving an SUV without authorization with a police investigation determining the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed (64 mph) in a 40-mph zone.
Willock, age 20, died at the scene of the crash in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road. LeCroy, age 24, passed away as a result of her injuries at a nearby hospital. Two other members of Georgia’s football program were injured in the crash, but later released.
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As reported by Seth Emerson of The Athletic, a police investigation found that Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk in a manner “consistent with racing” against LeCroy in the 2021 Ford Expedition. He is being charged with one count of racing and one count of reckless driving.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department released the findings of its investigation on Wednesday. It found that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in opposite travel lanes, were moving at a high rate of speed and overtook motorists around 2:30 AM on Jan. 15.
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Based on evidence found during the ACCPD’s investigation, the belief is that the Expedition was traveling at approximately 104 mph moments before the crash. A toxicology report determined LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration at the time of the crash was .197, well over the legal limit. As a result of the investigation, the ACCPD determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving and speed were significant contributing factors in the fatal crash.
Carter is facing two misdemeanor charges, as confirmed by the Athens-Clarke County spokesman. The max penalty for each is a $1,000 fine, community service or up to one year in prison.
The 21-year-old defensive tackle is considered to be the best prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was previously scheduled to meet with the media today at the NFL Combine, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports he wasn’t spotted with fellow prospects before the interviews.
New details on Jalen Carter’s involvement in fatal crash
Carter will reportedly not meet with reporters at the NFL Combine and he will not participate in any on-field work. While he did meet with teams before Wednesday, there will be major questions moving forward based on information reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
The All-American defensive tackle reportedly drove away from the scene of the crash site and when he was later asked by police about the incident, Carter denied racing against LeCroy.
Importantly, per Pro Football Talk, Carter was already cited by police in September for driving 89 mph in a 45 mph zone.