Georgia Settles with Car Crash Survivor; Lawsuit Against Eagles' Jalen Carter Ongoing

The survivor of a fatal car crash that killed a University of Georgia football player and recruiting staffer on Jan. 15, 2023, has settled her claims against the university's athletics department.

Per ESPN's Mark Schlabach, a court filing in state court in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on Aug. 29 shows that attorneys for Victoria Bowles said in a motion that "as a result of a compromise and agreement entered between the parties," the UGA Athletic Association was being dismissed as a defendant in the case. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

"The parties agreed to resolve Ms. Bowles' claim to avoid further litigation, without either party admitting fault or assigning fault," Georgia spokesperson Steven Drummond said in a statement.

Bowles still has an ongoing lawsuit against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and the estate of Chandler LeCroy, the recruiting staffer who was killed in the fatal crash. Her attorney, Rob Buck, confirmed that a settlement has been reached but litigation will continue against the other defendants.

"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 told Schlabach.

Bowles' lawsuit accused the athletic association of negligence in allowing LeCroy to drive the SUV during her duties because athletic officials were aware that "LeCroy had at least four speeding tickets, which included two 'super speeder' violations under Georgia law," the complaint stated. Police said LeCroy's blood alcohol concentration was .197 at the time of the crash and the lawsuit said the SUV was traveling at least 104.2 mph.

Bowles' attorneys said she has incurred more than $170,000 in medical expenses and suffered "likely permanent disability." The lawsuit said she also suffered a closed head injury that caused neurological damage and significant damage to the membrane that surrounds the nerves of her spinal cord that can progress to permanent paralysis, according to her neurosurgeon.

Carter is accused of racing the SUV being driven by LeCroy when it crashed into trees and utility poles the night of Georgia's ceremony to celebrate its back-to-back national championship wins. Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock was also killed in the crash.

Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in March 2023 and was later sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He will also have to attend a state-approved defensive driving course.

Carter, Georgia's athletic association and others are also the subjects of a separate lawsuit from Willock's father and estate.