Joseph Savarino Charged with DWI Following Fatal Bicycle Accident

Tragic Incident in Durham

In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the local community, Joseph Savarino, the 26-year-old grandson of retired Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, has been charged with misdemeanor driving while impaired (DWI) following a fatal car collision. The collision, which occurred on Saturday night in northwest Durham, North Carolina, tragically resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle.

Details of the Collision

According to reports from the Durham County court, Savarino admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the incident. A Breathalyzer test conducted after the accident revealed his blood-alcohol content (BAC) to be at 0.11%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%. The details surrounding the accident indicate that Savarino's vehicle struck the young cyclist, prompting immediate law enforcement investigation into the circumstances.

Legal Consequences

Following his initial court appearance on Monday, a judge made the decision to revoke Savarino's driver's license immediately. He was released on a secured bond set at $100,000, which was posted by his mother, Debbie Savarino, who serves as an assistant athletic director at Duke. Joseph Savarino's next court date is scheduled for May 20, as the legal proceedings continue concerning this tragic event.

Family Connection and Past Incidents

The impact of this incident resonates deeply given the prominent basketball legacy of the Krzyzewski family. Interestingly, this is not the first DWI charge linked to the Savarino family. Michael Savarino, Joseph’s brother, had previously pleaded guilty to DWI in July 2022 after being arrested in November 2021 while driving a vehicle owned by then-Duke star Paolo Banchero. That incident resulted in a sentence of 12 months' probation and additional community service.

Attorneys for Joseph Savarino have yet to publicly comment on the charges as they prepare for the upcoming court date. The community remains in mourning for the young cyclist, while further investigations continue.