Baseball player died in Myrtle Beach. Now, his family is suing driver who hit him
An Elon University baseball player was visiting Myrtle Beach with his team when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Now, his estate is suing the man who hit him and the restaurant that allegedly served him drinks.
Jackson Yelle, a junior from North Eastham, Massachusetts, was on a weekend trip in Myrtle Beach with members of his club baseball team in April 2023, The Sun News previously reported. The 21-year-old was struck by a vehicle in the early morning, and was found unresponsive in the area of Highway 17 Bypass north of 21st Avenue North, where he had reportedly tried to cross the highway on foot.
Yelle’s family is suing the man who hit him, as well as Dave and Buster’s which allegedly served the man alcohol before he got behind the wheel that night.
Members of Yelle’s estate could not be reached for comment, and their attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jason Sauro, the man who hit Yelle, was originally charged with “hit and run involved in accident with death,” which could have had him serve a prison sentence of up to 25 years, The Sun News previously reported. However, his charges were reduced to first-degree assault and battery, a felony for which he was sentenced to 10 years of probation.
Sauro could not be reached for comment. Dave and Buster’s, which is located at Broadway at the Beach near where the accident occurred, declined to comment.
Sauro is listed in the lawsuit filed in Horry County on Friday by Yelle’s estate, along with the Dave and Buster’s at 1322 Celebrity Circle where he was allegedly drinking before the incident.
The lawsuit claims that the restaurant served Sauro alcohol, causing him to become intoxicated and allowing him to leave without ensuring he would be traveling safely. It also accuses Sauro of being under the influence during the collision, driving at excessive speeds, being reckless and unaware, and failing to remain at the scene after hitting Yelle.
Yelle’s estate is suing for actual and punitive damages in the suit.
