Georgia football recruiting staffer injured in fatal crash settles lawsuit with UGAA

A former Georgia football recruiting staffer who sustained serious injuries in a Jan. 15, 2023 crash that killed two members of the program has settled her lawsuit with the University of Georgia Athletic Association.

The move came in an Aug. 29 court filing in State Court in Gwinnett County between Victoria “Tory” Bowles and the Athletic Association. The parties dismissed Bowles’ claims “as a result of the compromise and agreement entered into between the parties.”

Bowles was a backseat passenger in the UGA-rented SUV driven by recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy that police said was racing with defensive tackle Jalen Carter at speeds as high as 104 miles an hour in the early morning following the team’s national championship celebration.

LeCroy and offensive lineman Devin Willock were killed. Police said LeCroy was speeding with a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit.

The lawsuit filed in July of 2023 alleged that Georgia was negligent by allowing LeCory to drive the SUV even though it knew she had multiple driving offenses. UGA contended that LeCroy was not permitted to drive the SUV during a night of drinking and partying.

UGA fired Bowles after she filed the lawsuit while on unpaid leave from her job.

Rob Buck, Bowles’ attorney, confirmed the settlement Tuesday to the Athens Banner-Herald.

“Ms. Bowles will continue to seek justice in relation to her life-altering injuries against Jalen Carter, his LLC, and Ms. LeCroy’s estate,” Buck said in a message.

Carter is in his second season with the NFL Philadelphia Eagles after being taken in the first round of the 2023 draft. He plead no contest to reckless driving and racing his Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. He received 12 months of probation and had to perform 50 hours of community service.

Buck did not provide details on the settlement terms.

She was seeking more than $171,000 in damages including medical expenses and lost wages of at least $8,800.

Her injuries included lumbar fractures, fractured vertebrae, ribs and clavicle and kidney laceration and a punctured and collapsed lung and a closed head injury, the lawsuit said.

Bowles alleged, citing text messages, that program staffers regularly drove recruits and guests after drinking alcohol at Athens bars and restaurants. UGA disputed those claims.

Steven Drummond, UGA executive associate athletic director for strategic communications, said in a statement to the Banner-Herald: "The Parties agreed to resolve Ms. Bowles' claim to avoid further litigation, without either party admitting fault or assigning fault."

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Georgia football recruiting staffer injured in fatal crash settles lawsuit with UGAA