"Georgia football sensation Jalen Carter faces charges in fatal car crash resulting in two deaths"
Jalen Carter, a top player in the upcoming NFL draft, is facing charges of reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal car crash that occurred on January 15th, resulting in the deaths of offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Carter, alleging that he was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, the recruiting staffer, which led to the fatal crash.
Carter was due to attend the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, but he is expected to address the 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 said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.
The crash happened just hours after the Georgia Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony, resulting in the tragic loss of two beloved members of the community.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed his concern about the charges in a statement issued Wednesday. "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. "We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy."
The investigation by Athens police found that LeCroy and Carter were racing their vehicles "in a manner consistent with racing" after leaving downtown Athens around 2:30 a.m. According to the arrest warrant, 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."
Police determined that LeCroy's Expedition was traveling at about 104 mph (167 kph) shortly before the crash, and her blood-alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the accident. The legal limit in Georgia is .08.
Willock, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, and LeCroy was transported to a hospital, where she died from her injuries. 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.
Georgia athletic department officials stated on January 28th that the vehicle driven by LeCroy was expected to be used only for recruiting activities, not personal use. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and responsible behavior on the road.