Former Georgia recruiting staffer Victoria Bowles has filed a lawsuit against the UGA Athletic Association, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Jalen Carter, and the estate of deceased team recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. The lawsuit stems from a car crash that occurred on January 15, shortly after Georgia’s national championship celebration. The crash resulted in the death of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and LeCroy. Carter, who was accused of racing the SUV driven by LeCroy, is also named in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Carter had no valid driver’s license at the time of the crash and illegally left the scene. It claims that Carter left the scene after being confronted by a UGA player who yelled at him to leave. Carter pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing and was sentenced to probation, a fine, community service, and a state-approved driving course.
The lawsuit also accuses the UGA Athletic Association of negligence. It claims that the association allowed LeCroy to operate the SUV despite knowing about her history of speeding violations. The lawsuit argues that the association’s negligent entrustment of the vehicle to LeCroy, combined with her reckless driving, was the proximate cause of the crash.
Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that the UGA Athletic Association made false statements regarding their policy on rental vehicles. The association stated that rental vehicles were to be turned in immediately after recruiting duties, but text messages between recruiting staff supervisors and LeCroy suggest otherwise. The lawsuit claims that staff members were regularly informed that they could leave their personal vehicles overnight at the football facility and use association rental vehicles until a specified cut-off date and time.
Bowles, who was a backseat passenger in the SUV, suffered severe injuries as a result of the crash. She incurred over $171,500 in medical expenses and sustained multiple fractures, lacerations, and a closed head injury. Additionally, she developed arachnoiditis, a permanent neurological condition with no cure that often leads to paralysis.
This is the second lawsuit filed against the UGA Athletic Association in relation to the crash. Willock’s father previously sued the association, Carter, and other defendants seeking up to $40 million in damages.
In response to the lawsuit, the UGA Athletic Association stated that they are reviewing the complaint and dispute its claims. They intend to vigorously defend their interests in court.
The tragic car crash that occurred after Georgia’s national championship celebration has resulted in legal action against multiple parties. The lawsuit filed by Victoria Bowles seeks to hold Jalen Carter, the UGA Athletic Association, and the estate of Chandler LeCroy accountable for their alleged roles in the accident. As the legal proceedings unfold, the true extent of responsibility and liability will be determined.