ATHENS, Ga. (WABC) — Georgia defensive back Jalen Carter has turned himself in to law enforcement after being charged in a crash that killed a teammate and a team employee.
Police say Carter, who is projected to be one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, was involved in racing New Milford native Devin Wheelock and hiring manager Chandler LeCroy before their fatal crash.
Carter spoke publicly after being charged with reckless driving and speeding. He said he would return to Athens to “make sure that the full and accurate truth is presented.”
“I have no doubt that when all the facts are known, I will be fully acquitted of all wrongdoing,” Carter said.
The crash happened just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony.
At the time of the fatal accident, it was determined that their Ford Expedition was traveling at approximately 104 mph and Lecroy had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.197. The legal limit in Georgia is 0.08.
Carter’s representatives previously told Athens police that they were “working to get (Carter) to surrender,” Sean Barnett, a spokesman for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, told ABC News.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart expressed concern about the allegations in a statement released Wednesday:
“The charges announced today are deeply troubling, especially as we continue to grapple with the horrific loss of two beloved members of our community. We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities, supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this terrible tragedy.”
Wheelock, 20, died at the scene of the accident. LeCroix was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.
Offensive lineman Warren McClendon, who just announced plans to enter the NFL draft, suffered minor injuries. Georgia football player Victoria Bowles was hospitalized with more serious injuries.
Georgia athletic department officials said Jan. 28 that the vehicle LeCroy was driving was only to be used for recruiting purposes and not for personal use.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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