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Harry Lyles Jr. ESPN Staff Writer
Devin Willock’s father has said the school’s athletic department should be held responsible for the January car crash that killed former Bulldogs offensive lineman and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. filed a lawsuit against the University of Georgia Athletic Association.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Gwinnett County, Georgia, involves former Georgia defense lineman Jaylen Carter, LeCroy’s estate, and Toppers International Shover, an Athens strip club where the group met before the accident. ‘ is also named as a defendant.
Lawyers representing Willock’s father, Dave, informed the university’s Regent last month that they planned to seek $2 million in damages for Willock’s wrongful death.
In a statement, the Georgia Athletic Association said, “The attorneys who filed the complaint have refused to provide any factual basis for their claims against the Athletic Association, and the evidence demonstrates that their allegations are baseless. I believe that,” he said. “We intend to vigorously defend these baseless claims in court.”
Devin Willock and LeCroy died in an accident on Jan. 15, hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second consecutive national title with a parade and ceremony on campus. Police say LeCroy was driving an SUV that competed with Carter’s SUV before the accident.
Former Georgia international Warren McLendon and another staffer, Tory Bowles, survived with injuries.
Police said LeCroy’s SUV veered off the road at 164 mph and hit two utility poles and several trees. Police said her blood alcohol level was 0.197, almost 2.5 times the Georgia legal limit.
Dave Willock’s attorneys say Georgia authorities were aware of LeCroy’s driving history, which included four speeding tickets over the past six years.
Carter, who was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles with the ninth overall pick in last month’s NFL Draft, was sentenced to 12 months’ probation, a $1,000 fine, and a $50 fine after suing uncontested reckless driving and racing misdemeanor charges. I was sentenced to social service of the hour. in connection with the crash. He is also required to complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
ESPN’s Mark Schrabach contributed to this report.