Jason Burgos
Jalen Carter, the top pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the University of Georgia are listed as defendants in a lawsuit related to the January car crash where two members of the football program died.
Jalen Carter’s life has been a rollercoaster ride over the last six months. At the start of the year, he was seen as one of the very best prospects in football and was a key part of leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a second straight national championship. The win only furthered the idea that he could be the top pick in April’s draft.
However, things changed when he was involved in a car crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy just hours after the game. Before this year’s NFL Combine an arrest warrant was issued for Carter after an investigation found he was not completely truthful in his retelling of the events of the crash.
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It was found that Carter and LeCroy were racing in a pair of SUVs before the latter’s vehicle crashed into a tree. Killing her, Willock, and injuring fellow Georgia Bulldogs staffer Victoria Bowles.
After giving himself up to authorities in Georgia, Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in March. He was sentenced to 12 months probation, fined $1,000, and had to undergo 80 hours of community service. The situation led to Carter falling in the draft to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 9.
Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick being sued by survivor of fatal January car crash
It seemed the like the incident was behind him after being drafted in April, however, it was returned to the forefront of his life after Bowles filed a lawsuit this week against the Philadelphia Eagles prospect and the University of Georgia.
The lawsuit accuses the UGA athletic association of negligence in allowing LeCroy to drive the vehicle after their national championship win while on duty and with a poor driving record that included four speeding tickets — which included two ‘super speeder’ violations.
In the suit, Jalen Carter is accused of illegally leaving the scene of the crash without speaking to law enforcement and failing to offer aid.
“As Defendant Carter was aware at the time, he was jointly responsible for the crash and had a legal duty to remain on the scene,” the suit documents state. “Instead, in part obviously fearful of bad publicity and the effect on his NFL draft status, he hoped not to be questioned or take any responsibility for his actions.”
According to Bowles’ attorneys, she has allegedly endured $170,000 in medical fees to deal with her injuries and suffered “likely permanent disability.” She is seeking damages from LeCroy’s estate.
