Devin Willock: Friends mourn University of Georgia football player killed hours after title celebration

University of Georgia football player Devin Willock died in a car crash early Sunday morning, hours after the team celebrated its second consecutive national championship win.

The 20-year-old New Jersey native died while riding in an SUV driven by Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, police said. The SUV hit two power poles and several trees at around 2:45 a.m., police added. 24-year-old LeCroy also died.

Willock was an offensive lineman at the University of Georgia. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day,” University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart said in a statement.

“We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible,” Smart added. University of Georgia football players have also paid their tributes to Willock and LeCroy. “Wasn’t supposed to be like this man,” Bulldogs wide receiver Kearis Jackson tweeted, “love y’all both forever.”

Willock graduated from Paramus Catholic High School in 2020. “He was probably one of the best people I’ve ever met,” former Paramus Catholic teammate Christian Mahogany said.

Police said a 21-year-old male passenger sustained minor injuries and a 26-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries. The two were in stable condition.