Charges against Jalen Carter for Driving and Racing in a Jeep Trackhawk Decay that killed Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy
University of Georgia star defensive lineman Jalen Carter — projected as a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft — faces charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and team employee Chandler LeCroy, Athens-Clarke County police said.
The crash occurred just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony, killing LeCroy and Willock.
LeCroy’s car was travelling at over 100 mph before it crashed. The warrant says LeCroy’s blood-alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash. The legal limit is.08.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has issued an arrest warrant, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, that alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the Jan. 15 wreck.
The warrant says evidence shows the vehicles switched lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed “in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other.”
Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart said the charges announced against Carter are “deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community.”
Smart said that they would continue to cooperate with the authorities and support the families of the victims.
The Charges against Carter in Athens, Georgia: A Player Who Could Have Be Known For So Many Years, or Does He Ever Wanna Play Football?
Carter had been due in Indianapolis on Wednesday for the NFL scouting combine and is expected to address the arrest warrant when he returns to Athens, according to Lt. Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
“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,” Smart said.
Offensive lineman Warren McClendon, who had just announced plans to enter the NFL draft, sustained minor injuries. Georgia football staffer Victoria Bowles was hospitalized with more serious injuries.
The vehicle driven by LeCroy was supposed to only be used for recruiting activities, according to the Georgia athletic department officials.