Joseph Savarino, a grandson of former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, has been charged with driving while impaired after his SUV struck and killed a 15-year-old e-bike rider in Durham, N.C., on April 18. A breathalyzer test reportedly registered a 0.11% blood alcohol content when administered to Savarino early the next morning. The victim, identified by his mother as Jack, died at the scene; his family has asked for privacy and prayers for his younger sister. Savarino's bond was set at $100,000, his license was surrendered, and his next court date is May 20.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski's Grandson Charged With DWI After Fatal Durham Crash That Killed 15-Year-Old
Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils (L); Joseph Savarino mugshot (R)Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty; Durham County Sheriff's Office
Joseph Savarino, a grandson of legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, has been charged with driving while impaired after his SUV struck and killed a 15-year-old boy in Durham, North Carolina, on April 18.
Investigation Details
Durham police say the collision occurred shortly before 9 p.m. near the intersection of Cole Mill Road and Wyndham Lane, when Savarino's vehicle struck a juvenile who was riding an electric bicycle. The 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Local news outlets reported that a breathalyzer administered to Savarino at about 12:45 a.m. on April 19 registered a blood alcohol content of 0.11. Court records obtained by WNCN indicate he told investigators he had been drinking earlier. Savarino is charged with driving while impaired; authorities continue to investigate the incident and have not ruled out further charges.
Joseph Savarino's mugshotCredit: Durham County Sheriff's Office
Victim And Family
The victim's mother, Allison Bickel O'Shea, identified her son on social media as Jack and shared a heartfelt account of his last day. In a post she described Jack as "perfect, smart, athletic, fearless and handsome" and said the family is asking for prayers for his 13-year-old sister, Emily.
"It is with unfathomable sadness that Chris @cosgolf32 and I share that our perfect, smart, athletic, fearless, and handsome baby boy, Jack, passed away yesterday, April 18th, at just 15 years old," O'Shea wrote. She added that the family is "finding comfort in what was his last perfect day."
Legal Proceedings
Savarino's bond was set at $100,000. According to reports, Judge Kevin Jones ordered him to surrender his driver's license on April 20. His next scheduled court appearance is on the morning of May 20, according to The News & Observer.
Joseph Savarino is the son of Debbie Krzyzewski, one of Mike Krzyzewski's daughters. Mike Krzyzewski, commonly known as Coach K, led Duke University to five NCAA championships before retiring in 2022. The News & Observer also noted that another grandson, Michael Savarino, pleaded guilty to a DWI in 2022 when he was under the legal drinking age.
Note: Reports cited local outlets WRAL, WXII12 and WNCN and statements from the Durham Police Department. Authorities continue to process the investigation and have not released further details at this time.
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