MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Myrtle Beach Police Department (MBPD) has one person in custody in connection with the death of Elon University student Jackson Yelle.
Police report the collision happened on Highway 17 Bypass north of 21st Avenue North in the early morning of Sunday, April 30.
Jason Todd Sauro, 45, was arrested and charged with a Traffic/Hit & Run resulting in death, police report.
The MBPD reported they were alerted to the body at 7:24 a.m. on Sunday. Yelle was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation indicated that the Elon student was hit as he tried to cross the bypass at 1:30 a.m.
Sauro will have his first bond hearing on May 1 at 4 p.m., according to Myrtle Beach police.
Yelle was on a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach with members of the Club Baseball Team when he was killed. He was a junior at Elon from North Eastham, MA., Elon officials report.
The Elon club baseball team released a statement in Yelle's memory.
"Jackson is remembered as a loving, compassionate friend who was always present, always around, and always making sure that everyone was doing okay," they wrote. "This loss is genuinely devastating to a club full of brothers who will be doing everything in their power to honor Jackson at all times, make him proud, and ensure that his name lives on forever."
Monday night the university held a memorial service in Yelle's honor. Several hundred students attended to show their respects.
Since everything is still raw and new, the Elon club baseball team says they're still uncomfortable with interviews.
However, they did release the following statement regarding who Yelle was both on and off the field.
The entire EUCB family is absolutely devastated by the incomprehensible, sudden, and unexpected loss of a brother, friend, and true representative of everything that the club stands for.
"On the field, Jackson is remembered as a fierce competitor who wanted nothing more than to see the team and club succeed. A first baseman with a drive and will to succeed unlike any other, Jackson thrived as a leader through his action and through his infectious energy. Jackson’s relentless, all-out effort is something that the team fed off of, was used as a role model for others, and elevated the entire teams' performance and energy levels throughout our games.
Off the field, Jackson is remembered as a loving, compassionate friend who was always present, always around, and always making sure that everyone was doing okay. A comforting and consistent presence within the club, Jackson will always be remembered for his kindness and genuine care for every single person that spoke with him and interacted with him.
Jackson embodied everything that our club stands for and it was an absolute blessing to know him, be friends with him, and have him as a part of our organization. This loss is genuinely devastating to a club full of brothers who will be doing everything in their power to honor Jackson at all times, make him proud, and ensure that his name lives on forever.
We appreciate all of the love and support that we have received, and we ask that his family received the same love that we have been shown.
Rest in peace Jackson Yelle, we love you forever."
WFMY News 2 reached out to the Yelle family, they request privacy as they go through the grieving process.
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