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Duke’s Family Faces DWI Charges After Fatal Collision

ESPN General •
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A 26‑year‑old linked to Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski faces misdemeanor DWI charges after his car struck a 15‑year‑old bicyclist in northwest Durham. Joseph Savarino admitted drinking, with a Breathalyzer reading of 0.11%—above the 0.08% legal limit. The collision left the teen dead, prompting an ongoing police probe.

In court, a judge revoked Savarino’s license and set a $100,000 secured bond, posted by his mother Debbie—Mike Krzyzewski’s daughter—who serves as Duke’s assistant athletic director. Savarino’s first appearance was on Monday, and his next hearing falls on May 20. No comment came from his attorney, Butch Williams.

The case underscores the personal fallout that can ripple through a storied program, as Krzyzewski’s family faces scrutiny while Duke maintains its athletic reputation. The legal outcome will hinge on further evidence, but the immediate impact is a suspended license and a heavy bond, marking a stark reminder that off‑court conduct can carry serious consequences.

Local officials have called for a review of nighttime traffic in the area, citing the fatal collision as a catalyst for stricter enforcement. Meanwhile, Savarino’s family has expressed grief and a desire to cooperate with investigators, hoping the case will clarify whether additional penalties are warranted under North Carolina law.