UGA star charged in fatal crash surrendered, released shortly after, records show – WSB-TV Channel 2

The warrants charge Carter with reckless driving and racing, two misdemeanors.

The accident happened on January 15 on Barnett Shoals Road in Athens, just hours after UGA celebrated their second consecutive championship with a parade in Athens.

24-year-old scouting analyst Chandler LeCroy and 20-year-old UGA offensive lineman Devin Willock were killed in the accident. Two other members of the football program, three-year-old offensive tackle Warren McClendon, 21, and Victoria Bowles, 26, were injured.

Police initially characterized the accident as involving only one car.

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On Wednesday, police said they determined racing, reckless driving, speed and alcohol contributed to the accident.

Police said LeCroy, who was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition, and Carter, who was driving a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, were running after leaving downtown Athens around 2:30 a.m. that Sunday.

Police determined that LeCroy’s SUV reached speeds of up to 104 mph. It is not known how fast Carter was driving before the accident.

“Evidence showed that the two vehicles changed lanes, entered the center turn lane, entered opposing lanes of traffic, passed other motorists and drove at high speeds, in an apparent attempt to distance,” police said.

Police also released LeCroy’s toxicology report, which determined that his blood alcohol level was 0.197 at the time of the accident. That’s more than twice the legal limit. It is not known if blood alcohol tests were performed for Carter.

Carter will be charged with reckless driving and racing. However, it’s unclear if Carter will face any additional costs.

Channel 2 Action News obtained surveillance video from downtown Athens the night of the crash that shows Carter speeding away from a traffic light.

The car in the video is the same type of SUV, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, that he signed a deal with an Ohio dealership to promote. The SUV has 707 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds.

Carter released a statement Wednesday afternoon on his social media accounts.

“This morning I received a phone call from the Athens, Georgia Police Department advising me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing. Numerous media reports also circulated this morning containing inaccurate information regarding the tragic events of January 15, 2023. I intend to return to Athens to respond to the misdemeanor charges against me and ensure that the full and accurate truth is presented. There is no doubt in my mind that when all the facts are out, I will be fully exonerated of any wrongdoing.”

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Carter is projected by many as one of the top picks, if not the top pick, in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Zach Klein, Channel 2 Sports Director is in Indianapolis, where Carter is competing in the NFL Combine. Carter was supposed to speak on Wednesday but didn’t.

Klein spoke to Carter’s teammate Nolan Smith about the loss of teammate and dear friend Devin Willock exclusively on Channel 2 Action News at 5pm. This is the first time Smith has spoken publicly about his loss.

“He never did anything wrong…His brother just passed like that,” Smith said in tears. “And I’m just sorry for his mom. No one should have to live like this. You know, nobody should deserve to die like that.

Willock would have turned 21 on Tuesday.

Athens-Clarke Police confirmed contacting the agent and Carter’s representatives.

“We have been in contact with [Carter’s] representatives, and they were arranging for him to surrender.

The spokesperson said he did not know when Carter would surrender.