The University of Georgia has disclosed the terms of a settlement between the UGA Athletic Association and Victory “Tory” Bowles, a former football recruiting staffer who suffered severe injuries in a tragic car accident on January 15, 2023. This crash, which claimed the lives of two individuals connected to the football program, including staff member Chandler LeCroy and offensive lineman Devin Willock, has continued to garner attention.
Bowles received a settlement of $1.5 million from the insurance providers of the UGA Athletic Association, as outlined in a 15-page confidential agreement released recently. The settlement was formalized on August 19 and made accessible through an open records request by the Athens Banner-Herald.
On the night of the crash, Bowles was a passenger in the SUV driven by LeCroy, who was reportedly racing with defensive tackle Jalen Carter, during a celebration following the national championship. Authorities indicated that LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration more than double the legal limit, which, combined with excessive speeding, contributed to the fatal incident.
In her lawsuit, Bowles accused the university of negligence for allowing LeCroy to operate the vehicle given her prior driving offenses. UGA, on its part, argued that LeCroy should not have driven the SUV that night following a night of drinking and celebrations.
Additionally, Bowles is pursuing a separate lawsuit against Carter, seeking at least $5 million. She claims that he failed to provide assistance after the accident. According to her court filings, Bowles endured approximately 20 fractures, several of which affected her spine, as well as sustaining severe organ damage. Her medical bills exceeded $171,595, and she reported a loss of income of at least $17,809, affecting her ability to work moving forward.
UGA terminated Bowles’ employment during her unpaid leave earlier this year. The settlement agreement emphasizes that both parties agree to this resolution to avoid protracted litigation without admitting any wrongdoing.
This situation highlights the consequences of reckless behavior and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible choices, particularly among young adults. As Bowles continues to recover, the hope is that she will find the support she needs and a path towards healing. The resolution of the lawsuit may also pave the way for necessary discussions about safety and accountability within athletic programs.