DURHAM, N.C. – The 26-year-old grandson of Mike Krzyzewski — better known as Coach K — is now facing criminal charges after police say he drove impaired and struck a 15-year-old boy riding an electric bike, killing him.
Authorities say the deadly collision happened just before 9 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Cole Mill Road and Wyndham Lane in Durham.
According to investigators, Joseph Savarino was behind the wheel of a Ford Explorer traveling northbound when he hit Jack O’Shea, who was riding his e-bike in the same direction. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Savarino allegedly blew a 0.11 blood alcohol concentration during a breath test administered around 12:45 a.m. Sunday — well above North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08. Investigators say he admitted to drinking earlier that night before getting behind the wheel.
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He was taken into custody and booked into the Durham County Detention Center early Sunday morning. By Monday, Savarino had posted a $100,000 secured bond, but not without consequences. A judge ordered his driver’s license revoked, and he is now scheduled to face a judge on May 20.
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A FAMILY DEVASTATED: “OUR PERFECT BABY BOY”
Jack O’Shea’s mother, Allison O’Shea, shared a heartbreaking message on Facebook, describing her son as everything a parent could hope for.
“It is with unfathomable sadness that [my husband] and I share that our perfect, smart, athletic, fearless and handsome baby boy, Jack, passed away yesterday… We are finding comfort in what was his last perfect day.”
According to his family, Jack spent his final day doing what he loved — attending confession at church, playing two baseball games for the Cardinal Gibbons freshman team, and later heading out on a bike ride with friends.
Loved ones say he was an adventurous spirit who loved hiking, maps, and the outdoors — a life cut tragically short at just 15 years old.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday at Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a celebration of life.
A COACH K CONNECTION
Savarino is the son of Coach K’s daughter, Debbie.
As of Monday evening, Krzyzewski has not made a public statement.
This isn’t the first time the family has faced DWI-related headlines.
Back in 2021, Savarino’s brother — Michael Savarino, a former Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball walk-on — was also arrested on DWI charges. He later pleaded guilty in 2022 and received probation along with community service.
