Clarke County

UGA sets up GoFundMe accounts to help families of Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy

Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy

ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved football player and staff member killed in a crash just hours after the team’s back-to-back championship parade.

Devin Willock, a 20-year-old offensive lineman, and Chandler LeCroy, a 24-year-old recruiting analyst, died in the crash off Barnett Shoals Road in Athens on Sunday. A police report shows that excessive speed played a factor in the crash, but it remains under investigation.

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The shocking losses have brought the Bulldog community together and many have asked how they can support the LeCroy and Willock families.

“We have been overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of love and support for the families of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy, as well as the other members of our Georgia Athletics community,” UGA Athletics wrote in a statement.

“Many people have reached out asking how to help. In addition to the Athletic Association’s efforts, verified GoFundMe accounts for the families have been set up to allow everyone an opportunity to support the Willock and LeCroy families.”

The athletic department said the accounts are verified, and all funds will directly support the families: the Devin Willock family GoFundMe and the Chandler LeCroy family GoFundMe.

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Channel 2′s Candace McCowan spoke with Willock’s parents Tuesday for WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. The Willock family went to dinner after the national championship celebration on Saturday. At the restaurant, their son even shared a special encounter with a young fan and let the boy try on his championship ring.

The following day, Willock’s parents got a phone call every parent dreads.

“Told me the news there was an accident, and he passed away,” Dave Willock said.

Devin’s parents said he had plans to win another ring with UGA, declare for the draft, and eventually build a house. But now his parents are planning his funeral.

“He’s not going to get married. He’s not going to have kids. He’s not going to live his dream,” said Sharlene through tears.

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Channel 2′s Michael Seiden has been in contact with the LeCroy family. LeCroy’s mother said she was too overcome with grief to talk about her daughter but put Seiden in touch with a youth minister and close family friend.

“She was a special, special person to me and so many people here,” Brett Sanders said. “I don’t think there’s ever been a time that I’ve been for a while that I didn’t have a smile on my face because she just lit up the room and just had a way of bringing the best out of everyone.”

LeCroy’s funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Toccoa. Willock’s parents said they would have two memorial services, one in Athens and one back home in New Jersey.

Parents of UGA football player who died in crash talk to channel 2 as they prepare to lay him to rest

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