ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Athletics Association and former Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter are facing a lawsuit for damages filed by Victoria S. Bowles, a woman who suffered severe injuries in a car accident that claimed the life of Georgia offensive lineman Devin Willock and an athletics staffer in January.
The incident occurred when Bowles was a passenger in the backseat of a rented Ford Expedition driven by Chandler LeCroy, a UGA recruiting analyst who also lost his life in the crash on January 15. The collision took place while LeCroy was racing against Carter at a speed exceeding 104 mph, following the Bulldogs’ College Football Playoff championship celebration.
Bowles’ lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in Gwinnett County State Court, alleges that the UGA Athletics Association was negligent in entrusting LeCroy with the vehicle. It further claims that the association had knowledge of Bowles’ history of receiving four speeding tickets, including two “super speeder” violations, prior to the tragic accident.
According to the lawsuit, Bowles suffered severe injuries in the crash, including fractures in her lumbar and ribs, a spinal cord injury, lacerations to her kidney and liver, a closed head injury with neurological damage, and intense eye pain. Warren McClendon, a former Georgia offensive lineman who was also in the vehicle, sustained minor injuries.
The lawsuit names the estate of LeCroy as a defendant and seeks a minimum of $171,595 in general damages, as well as punitive damages. It accuses the athletic association, LeCroy, and Carter of varying degrees of negligence.
In response to the lawsuit, the athletic association issued a statement expressing support for Bowles’ recovery but disputing the claims made in the lawsuit. The association stated that it would vigorously defend itself in court and clarified that rental vehicles were intended solely for recruiting purposes and were not authorized for personal use, including the night of the accident.
One of Bowles’ lawyers, Rob Buck, released a statement expressing her deep sadness over the deaths of Willock and LeCroy. He also conveyed her gratitude for the support she has received during her recovery.
The statement further expressed Bowles’ disappointment that the Association and its insurers have compelled her to pursue legal action to address the significant impact the injuries have had on her life.
Jalen Carter, who was chosen as the ninth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL draft in April, received a sentence of 12 months’ probation and a $1,000 fine in March. This followed his plea of no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing.
In her lawsuit, Bowles accuses Carter and LeCroy of engaging in a highly negligent joint enterprise involving tandem driving and street racing.
At the moment, a representative for Carter was unavailable for immediate contact.