Lincoln Riley sends message to Georgia football following tragic car accident

USC coach Lincoln Riley wants Georgia football to know his thoughts the Bulldogs following the passing of offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy from a car accident early Sunday morning. Riley took to Twitter to express his condolences Sunday evening.

“Prayers with the families and everyone at Georgia,” he wrote.

🙏🙏🙏Prayers with the families and everyone at Georgia- https://t.co/yyi16uoZ3L

— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) January 16, 2023

The accident occurred just 12 hours after Georgia’s parade commemorating its second straight national championship, causing sorrow in what was supposed to be a time of celebration. At this time, police are still investigating the cause of the accident, but there was only one car involved.

Willock, a New Jersey native, had just wrapped up his third season at Georgia, where he appeared in all 15 games and started two of them. LeCroy was a UGA graduate with a masters in sports management and policy.

More on the fatal car accident involving Georgia football players, staff members

LeCroy was the driver of the vehicle, a 2021 Ford Expedition, which was traveling southbound on Barrett Shoals Road before leaving the road and striking two power poles along with several trees. Police responded at 2:45 a.m. Willock died at the scene, while LeCroy was taken to a local hospital before passing away.

Offensive tackle Warren McClendon and recruiting staffer Tory Bowles were also passengers in the vehicle. They were both taken to the hospital after suffering injuries and, thankfully, are said to be in stable condition. McClendon’s injuries are reportedly minor, whereas Bowles’ are more serious.

“We are covering the families of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy in prayer this morning,” athletic director Josh Brooks said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened on the tragic loss of Devin and Chandler, and we will continue to honor their memory in the years to come. These two special people meant the world to our football program and athletic department. We are working with our medical staff and mental health and performance team to ensure our staff and student-athletes have all the support they need during this extremely difficult time.”