UGA fan met player Devin Willock one day before his death

Georgia working again Kendall Milton (2) takes meals from followers through the second half of the nationwide championship NCAA Faculty Soccer Playoff recreation towards TCU, Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photograph/Ashley Landis)(Ashley Landis | AP)

ATLANTA, Ga. -Simply hours after celebrating a back-to-back championship win, UGA Lineman Devin Willock was killed in a automotive crash.

“With it being the parade yesterday, everyone seems to be on a excessive. It simply reveals you ways treasured life could be and it might simply change in a second,” mentioned Antonio Raimondo, a UGA scholar.

Authorities say the 20-year-old was driving in a 2021 Ford Expedition with 24-year-old soccer staffer Chandler LeCroy, the motive force, who was additionally killed. Two others had been injured.

Athens-Clarke County police mentioned they had been driving alongside Barnett Shoals Street, and misplaced management of their SUV, which veered off the highway and hit a number of bushes and two energy poles at about 2:45 Sunday morning.

The loss is being felt by college students and followers in Athens and past. Sam Kramer and his grandson simply met Willock a day earlier than, on the restaurant.

“As soon as he noticed Camden, Camden noticed that ring, Camden has a reproduction ring at house they usually in contrast notes on that. Devin took the ring off and gave it to him,” mentioned Kramer.

By no means in 1,000,000 years did they assume that will be the primary and final time they spoke to him.

“Our interplay with Devin, as quick because it was impactful,” mentioned Kramer.

“Your loved ones is right here now however you by no means know what might come tomorrow and it takes one thing like this to convey us all again to what counts,” he mentioned.

The UGA Athletic Affiliation despatched a press release:

“We're all heartbroken and devastated by the lack of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. Devin was an excellent younger man in each means. He was at all times smiling, was an excellent teammate, and was a pleasure to educate. Chandler was a precious member of our soccer employees and introduced an unbelievable angle and vitality each single day. We grieve with their households for this tragic loss and can help them in each means attainable.”