On January 15, 2023, University of Georgia defensive lineman, Jalen Carter, was involved in a fatal car crash. The crash took place not far from the University’s campus around 2:45 am after the team celebrated with a parade for winning the National Championship. There were two people involved in the accident who unfortunately lost their lives. Chandler Lecroy, a recruiting analyst for the Georgia football team, was the driver of the vehicle and Devin Willock, one of Carter’s teammates, was a passenger.

After the crash took place, Jalen left the scene before police or any emergency help arrived. He was away for about two hours before returning and turning himself in. He turned himself in at the Athens-Clarke County jail later that night on charges of reckless driving and racing. The Athens-Clarke County police department is continuing to investigate the incident and they believe alcohol may have been involved. Statements have been released by police confirming that the vehicles were being used for racing shortly before the crash actually occurred. There was evidence that both vehicles were switching lanes and speeding over 100 miles per hour. Carter was driving a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk and Lecroy was driving a Ford Expedition.
So far, Carter has cooperated with officials and plans to address the charges he is facing.

Currently, Jalen’s draft stock has fallen due to his involvement in the car racing incident. It was projected that he would be a top player but he is now at risk of losing millions of dollars. The Georgia school community has been greatly affected by the loss of two special community members. The investigation is ongoing and has raised concerns for many. The NFL draft will begin on Thursday, April 27th until Saturday, April 29th, where Jalen will likely be drafted but it is still in question what overall pick he will be.