Jalen Carter, Georgia’s NFL 1st rounder, charged for fatal crash

Former University of Georgia football star Jalen Carter has been charged with reckless driving and racing in connection with a fatal crash that killed a teammate and a member of the recruiting staff. An arrest warrant has been issued by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, alleging that Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, Chandler LeCroy, leading to the wreck. Devin Willock, an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, and LeCroy were killed in what police initially reported as a single-vehicle accident.

According to police, Carter was present at the scene of the crash and later provided different accounts of the wreck to the police. Carter is currently at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, where he had been scheduled to speak to reporters as part of a previously planned media availability. However, a league spokesperson later announced that Carter would not be speaking that day because he and five other players were still conducting physicals.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department has cited evidence that Carter and LeCroy were “operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing” before the crash. Police investigators determined that “alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.” A toxicology report indicated that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit in Georgia at the time of the crash.

“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,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said in a statement. “We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.”

The crash occurred hours after the Bulldogs celebrated winning back-to-back national championships with a parade and ceremony at Sanford Stadium. Georgia athletic department officials have stated that the SUV driven by LeCroy was to be used only for recruiting activities, not personal use.

Carter is the No. 1 prospect in the draft, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. He is not participating in the workout portion of the combine but will conduct interviews with teams and undergo a physical.