Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Dezhon Overton Identified in Tragic Early Morning Hit-and-Run Investigation Continues
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — A tragic incident early Sunday morning has shaken both the Myrtle Beach community and the family of 26-year-old Dezhon Overton, a Kansas City native who lost his life after being struck in a devastating hit-and-run.
Overton was identified by the Horry County Coroner’s Office following the incident, which occurred around 2:45 a.m. on August 3 at the intersection of Kings Highway and 21st Avenue North. The crash unfolded in the heart of Myrtle Beach’s busy commercial district, a location that sees frequent foot traffic, especially during weekend nightlife.
According to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, emergency personnel were dispatched following multiple reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they discovered Overton unresponsive in the roadway. First responders immediately administered aid, but Overton’s injuries were extensive, and he was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene before help arrived. Police are actively reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras to identify the driver responsible. Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
Overton’s sudden passing has left his loved ones in Kansas City heartbroken. Friends and family describe him as a kind, driven young man who had traveled to Myrtle Beach to enjoy a brief vacation. What was supposed to be a peaceful getaway turned into a tragedy that now spans state lines in grief and unanswered questions.
“We are devastated,” one family member shared. “He had so much life ahead of him. Someone out there knows what happened, and we’re asking for that person to do the right thing.”
In the days following the tragedy, community members have placed flowers and candles at the scene of the incident. Many local residents have expressed concern about the safety of pedestrians along Kings Highway, particularly during the late-night hours. Some are calling on city officials to implement better lighting and crosswalk visibility to help reduce the risk of future accidents.
Myrtle Beach Police are treating the case with urgency, confirming that their traffic collision reconstruction team is involved. The department has also increased patrols in high-traffic areas during peak pedestrian hours. They continue to request that any potential witnesses or those with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash come forward.
As the investigation continues, Dezhon Overton’s family and friends are preparing memorials and seeking justice. His life, full of promise, was cut short in a senseless act that has left many asking how such tragedies can be prevented.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Myrtle Beach Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry.
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