Georgia Star Jalen Carter Charged With Racing In Fatal Wreck In 2021

ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is expected to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft next month, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department issued an arrest warrant, which The Associated Press obtained on Wednesday, alleging Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which resulted in the Jan. 15 wreck.

Carter was scheduled to attend the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday 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.

“It is my understanding that Mr. Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in,” Barnett told the Associated Press in an e-mail.

The crash happened a few hours after the Bulldogs’ parade and ceremony to celebrate their second straight national championship. LeCroy and Willock were killed in the crash.

In a statement released Wednesday, Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed his displeasure with the charges.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed his displeasure with the charges

“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, particularly given that we are still dealing with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” Smart said.

“We will keep working with the authorities and helping these families while trying to figure out what we can learn from this tragedy.”

According to the arrest warrant, s discovered that LeCroy and Carter were driving “in a manner consistent with racing” after leaving downtown Athens around 2:30 a.m.

Evidence shows that the vehicles changed lanes, swerved in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes, overtook other motorists, and drove at high speeds “in an attempt to outdistance each other,” according to the warrant.

LeCroy had a blood-alcohol concentration of.197 at the time of the crash

LeCroy’s Expedition was traveling at approximately 104 mph (167 kph) at the time of the crash, according to police. According to the warrant, LeCroy had a blood-alcohol concentration of.197 at the time of the crash. In Georgia, the legal limit is.08.

Willock, 20, was declared dead at the scene of the accident. LeCroy was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Warren McClendon, an offensive lineman who had recently announced his intention to enter the NFL draft, suffered minor injuries. A Georgia football staffer, Victoria Bowles, was hospitalized with more serious injuries.

Georgia athletic department officials stated on Jan. 28 that LeCroy’s vehicle would be used only for recruiting purposes and not for personal use.

SOURCE – (AP)