News Summary
A hit-and-run incident in Myrtle Beach left 26-year-old Dezhon Overton dead while vacationing. The accident involved two pedestrians, prompting an urgent investigation by local police. Authorities identified Bryan O’Neal Thomas as the driver responsible for the tragic incident and have charged him with serious offenses. The ongoing investigation highlights pedestrian safety concerns in tourist areas and calls for community collaboration to enhance road safety.
Myrtle Beach – A tragic hit-and-run incident early on August 3, 2025, claimed the life of 26-year-old Dezhon Overton from Kansas City, Kansas, while he was vacationing in Myrtle Beach. The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. when Overton attempted to cross Kings Highway at Williams Street, near 21st Avenue South. This incident not only resulted in Overton’s death but also left another pedestrian injured.
Upon receiving reports of the accident, local police arrived at the scene and discovered that two pedestrians had been struck by a vehicle that subsequently fled the area. Both victims were promptly transported to Grand Strand Medical Center for treatment. Unfortunately, Overton succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by the Horry County Coroner’s Office, which later released his identity.
Investigation efforts by the Myrtle Beach Police Department intensified after the incident, utilizing their Real Time Crime Unit. This specialized unit employs a network of surveillance cameras and license plate readers to assist in tracking down suspects involved in crimes. Authorities successfully identified Bryan O’Neal Thomas, a 39-year-old man, as the driver of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Thomas was arrested in connection with the crash and faces two serious charges of hit-and-run resulting in death or injury. Following his arrest, he was granted a bond set at $50,000 for each charge, summing up to a total bond of $100,000. Thomas posted the bond and was subsequently released from the J. Reuben Long Detention Center on Monday.
The condition of the second pedestrian injured in the incident remains undisclosed as the police continue their investigation. Authorities are actively seeking information from the public and have encouraged anyone with knowledge of the situation to reach out to the Myrtle Beach Police Department at 843-918-1382.
The hit-and-run highlights the ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in busy areas, especially in tourist hotspots like Myrtle Beach. Authorities emphasize the importance of accountability for drivers involved in such incidents and continue to seek collaboration with the community to enhance safety measures.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by pedestrians and raises awareness about the responsibilities of drivers. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge, but the loss of a young life casts a shadow over what should have been a joyful vacation.
As the Myrtle Beach Police Department continues to gather evidence and pursue leads, the case will remain a priority until all aspects are thoroughly examined. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community involvement in making roadways safer for everyone.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Judge Sets Bond for Man Charged in Deadly Myrtle Beach Hit-and-Run
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach hit and run
- WBTW: Coroner Identifies Kansas Tourist Killed in Myrtle Beach Hit-and-Run
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- WPDE: 1 Dead in Hit-and-Run Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach hit and run
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Hit-and-Run Crash Kills
- Google Scholar: Pedestrian Safety Myrtle Beach
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.
