UGA crash survivor settles lawsuit with athletic association

Victoria Bowles, a former recruiting analyst at the University of Georgia, has reached a settlement in her lawsuit against the school's athletic association following a serious car crash that occurred nearly two years ago. The accident resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including Bowles' colleague Chandler LeCroy, who was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time. Bowles' legal action claimed that the athletic association was negligent in allowing LeCroy to drive a rented vehicle despite her history of speeding. The crash took place after a night of celebration involving UGA team members, where alcohol consumption was prevalent. LeCroy's blood-alcohol level was reported to be significantly above the legal limit, contributing to the tragic incident. Following the lawsuit's filing in July 2023, Bowles was dismissed from her position at the university, which raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her termination. While the settlement with the athletic association concludes Bowles' claims against them, she continues to pursue legal action against LeCroy's estate and former UGA football player Jalen Carter. Carter was implicated in the events leading up to the crash, having been charged with misdemeanors for racing LeCroy. He accepted a plea deal, which included a fine and community service. The athletic association has not admitted any fault in the matter, and the Willock family has also filed a lawsuit against the association, seeking accountability for the events that led to their loved one's death. The ongoing legal battles highlight the serious implications of the crash and the responsibilities of the university and its athletes.