News Summary
A tragic hit-and-run accident in Myrtle Beach resulted in the death of 26-year-old tourist Dezhon Overton from Kansas City. The incident occurred while he was crossing Kings Highway. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities arrested Bryan O’Neal Thomas, 39, on charges related to the incident. Witnesses described the scene shortly after the accident, raising concerns about pedestrian safety in the busy area, particularly at night.
Myrtle Beach – A hit-and-run incident early Sunday morning resulted in the death of a 26-year-old tourist from Kansas City, Kansas, identified as Dezhon Overton. The accident occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:30 a.m., while Overton was attempting to cross Kings Highway near William Street.
In addition to Overton, another individual was injured in the incident; however, authorities have not released further details regarding their condition. Emergency responders transported Overton to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Myrtle Beach police arrested 39-year-old Bryan O’Neal Thomas in connection with the hit-and-run. Thomas faces two charges: one for causing death and the other for personal injury or property damage resulting from the incident. A judge has set his bond at $50,000, and he was initially held at J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses reported that they saw both Overton and the other victim lying on the ground, struggling to breathe, moments after being struck. Reports indicate that a nearby restaurant employee, who witnessed the accident, rushed to the scene and promptly called 911 for assistance.
Investigation Status
The Myrtle Beach Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the hit-and-run. They have not yet provided additional information regarding the other victim’s status or the specific details leading up to the incident.
Background Information
The hit-and-run occurred at the intersection of 21st Avenue South and Kings Highway, a busy area typically frequented by tourists and locals alike. The circumstances of the event have raised concerns regarding pedestrian safety in the area, particularly during late-night hours when visibility can be a significant factor.
Hit-and-run incidents are taken seriously by law enforcement, as they often result in serious injuries or fatalities. This tragic event marks another reminder of the dangers pedestrians face and the responsibility drivers have to ensure the safety of all road users.
The Myrtle Beach community has expressed shock and sadness over the incident, as Overton was visiting the area as a tourist. Further updates from law enforcement are expected as the investigation unfolds. Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise caution when navigating busy streets, particularly in popular tourist regions.
As the investigation continues, details regarding potential charges, court proceedings, and further responses from the involved parties are anticipated. The community remains hopeful for updates regarding the condition of the additional victim injured in the incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- WBTW News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach hit-and-run
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accident
- Fox 4 KC
- Google News: Myrtle Beach accident
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
