Following the death of Devin Willock in a car accident early Sunday morning, photos showing the football player’s kindness to a young fan are going viral.
On January 14, just one day before Willock’s fatal accident, Twitter user Sam Kramer shared poignant photos of the Bulldogs player pausing for photos with his grandson.
«Special thanks to @DevinWillock for taking time for my grandson when he didn’t have to,» Kramer wrote. “You went out of your way to make her feel special and you made her day! Good luck next year! Let’s go friends!»
In the photos, Willock smiled and posed with the boy, letting him try on his championship ring.
willock himself retweeted Kramer’s post from January 14 with a chain of heart emoji.
Willock, who had been a defensive lineman for the Georgia Bulldogs, was killed in a car accident Sunday in Athens, Georgia, at the age of 20.
The 24-year-old driver of the car, recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, also died of his injuries.
Just hours before his death, Willock had been celebrating with the Bulldogs for winning back-to-back national championships.
“We are all heartbroken and devastated by the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy,” coach Kirby Smart said in a statement on Twitter. “Devin was an outstanding young man in every way. He was always smiling, he was a great teammate and a pleasure to coach.»
Two other unnamed members of the Georgia soccer program were injured in the car crash and were listed in stable condition on Jan. 15, the Bulldogs said Sunday in a statement shared on Twitter.
Police are still determining the cause of the accident, according to the Associated Press.
“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of soccer student and athlete Devin Willock and soccer staff member Chandler LeCroy,” the team said in its Twitter statement.
“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant a lot to the University of Georgia, our soccer program, and our athletic department. We ask everyone to keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.»