The University of Georgia says it is underway with a “thorough review” of circumstances surrounding the Jan. 15 crash that killed a recruiting department staffer and football player, while injuring two others.

In a first official statement from UGA’s Athletic Department released Tuesday night, athletic director Josh Brooks says it had “refrained from making any public statements up to this point” out of respect to the families involved.

The statement goes on to say “we want to emphasize that these individuals were not engaged in athletic department duties around the time of this incident.”

24-year-old staffer Chandler LeCroy - who was driving - and 20-year-old offensive lineman Devin Willock were killed in the wreck. Two other passengers in the SUV - staffer Tory Bowles, 26, and lineman Warren McClendon, 21, were injured.

UGA calls its review “preliminary,” and that the athletic department is cooperating with law enforcement.

AD Josh Brooks in the statement also says “Coach Smart and I are also actively reviewing relevant football policies, and at the conclusion of that review, we will take steps to implement any improvements in our policies and procedures that may be needed.”

The school statement ends with “our thoughts and prayers continues to be with the families and friends of all those impacted by this tragic event.”

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