On Wednesday, arrest warrants were issued for Jalen Carter, a potential top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft, in connection with a fatal car crash that took place in January. The crash resulted in the deaths of two people, including a University of Georgia teammate. The arrest warrants accuse Carter of misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and racing.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Carter was racing his Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with a Ford Expedition driven by Chandler LeCroy, a recruiting analyst for the team. The police report suggests that both vehicles were speeding and driving recklessly. The Expedition was traveling at about 100 miles per hour when it crashed, killing LeCroy and Devin Willock, a redshirt sophomore on the team. Toxicology reports indicated that LeCroy was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Carter, who had not been publicly connected to the crash earlier, is a 21-year-old defensive tackle considered one of the top prospects for the NFL draft in April. He has been widely projected to be selected in the top five. Carter had been scheduled to speak to the news media at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday morning, but he did not appear. The league said he would not be available for comment later in the day.
The charges against Carter are deeply concerning, according to Georgia Coach Kirby Smart. He said in a statement, “especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community.” The allegations of Carter’s involvement were first reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which said he had given conflicting statements to the police about his whereabouts at the time of the crash.
The crash occurred in Athens, Ga., in the early morning of Jan. 15. LeCroy’s vehicle left the road and struck power poles and trees, according to the police. Two other passengers in the car were hurt.
It is not yet clear whether Carter will turn himself in to the police or how the charges will affect his draft prospects. Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of reckless driving and racing. It serves as a reminder to always prioritize safety while driving, especially when operating a powerful vehicle like a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or a Ford Expedition. The consequences of reckless driving can be devastating, and it is essential to always drive responsibly and with respect for the safety of others.
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy, and we hope that justice will be served in this case.
