247: Former UGA player Jalen Carter subject of arrest warrant regarding tragic car crash

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The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced on Wednesday it has secured arrest warrants for former Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter for reckless driving and racing as a result of the department’s ongoing investigation into the car crash that killed Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.

Per a release by the police department, the investigation found that LeCroy, who was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition, and Carter, who was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk, “were operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing shortly after leaving the downtown Athens area at about 2:30 a.m.” The department’s statement explains that evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed “in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other.”

The statement goes on to say that evidence indicated that shortly before the crash the Expedition was traveling “at about 104 miles per hour.” It further states that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was at .197 at the time of the crash, which is nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit.

“Investigators determined that alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash,” the department’s statement said.

The statement indicated that the case will be given to the solicitor general’s office.

According to a statement provided by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department shortly after the accident, police responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 900 block of Barnett Shoals Road at approximately 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Initial investigation indicated that a 2021 Ford Expedition was traveling southbound in the outside lane of Barnett Shoals Road when the vehicle left the roadway and struck two power poles and several trees.

Willock died on the scene as a result of his injuries. LeCroy was transported to a local hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries. Offensive lineman Warren McClendon sustained minor injuries, and recruiting staffer Tory Bowles sustained serious injuries.

Athens-Clarke County police later released a crash report that indicated excessive speed was a contributing factor in the accident.

The university put out a press release on Sunday morning regarding the loss of Willock and LeCroy.

“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel.

“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.

“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief. We can provide no further comment at this time but ask that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”

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"The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community.

We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy."

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