Aric Hutchinson, the husband of a recently wedded bride who tragically lost her life in a collision with a drunk driver, made his first appearance since the accident at a memorial gathering on the beach where they exchanged vows just over two weeks ago.
The incident occurred on April 28th in Folly Beach, South Carolina, shortly after Aric Hutchinson and his wife Samantha, aged 36, joyfully celebrated their wedding. Their happiness was abruptly shattered when Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, allegedly crashed her vehicle into the golf buggy carrying the newlyweds.
The impact caused the buggy to be forcefully thrown 100 yards and overturned multiple times, resulting in Hutchinson’s untimely death and causing severe injuries to her newly married husband.
Aric, the husband, shared with WSOC during the memorial on Saturday, while being in a wheelchair:
‘She would’ve loved it. This is Sam, she’s a beach girl, through and through.
‘We do walk here almost every morning, and this is her send off for sure. She’s up there smiling for sure.’
Aric expressed his current state, saying, “I’m feeling pretty good. My body’s getting back to where I can manage. “
He further added, “It’s a little overwhelming, they’re sincere, genuine, good-hearted people that are just reaching out that felt a reason to, or somehow they were touched by Sam. It just means the world. She left that impact.”
During the weekend, a large gathering assembled on the beach to pay their respects to Hutchinson. Surfers took part in a paddle out ceremony, casting flowers with her name into the ocean.
A local resident shared with WYFF4, “It really is a tragedy for Folly Beach, and we are all grieving with the family.”
Aric’s mother, Annette, recounted a poignant moment, saying, “I received Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they exchanged vows. Aric has lost the love of his life.”
The family of Miller is currently making arrangements for her funeral, and if she is cremated, her ashes will be brought back to Folly Beach, as her mother, Lisa, expressed, “That’s where she wants to be.”
Heartbreaking wedding photographs capture the couple’s joyous moments just before the tragic incident, as they were bid farewell by their guests holding sparklers.
The fatal crash occurred when Komoroski, driving a rented Toyota Camry, was traveling at 65mph in a 25mph zone on a poorly-lit residential street. At the time of the incident, Komoroski’s blood alcohol content was reported to be 0.261.
Responding officers reported that Komoroski claimed, “All of a sudden something hit me. I did nothing wrong.”
According to the New York Post, Komoroski allegedly admitted to having consumed two drinks—an hour before the collision—consisting of a beer and a tequila pineapple cocktail.
The Logistics Account Executive is currently held in custody at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court regarding the incident that took place in June.
If found guilty, she may face a maximum prison sentence of 25 years for the bride’s death, accompanied by a fine of up to $25,100. Additionally, she could face an additional 15-year sentence and a fine of $10,100 for the serious injuries inflicted on the men in the buggy.
In relation to the reckless homicide charge, she could receive a sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Furthermore, her driver’s license may be revoked for five years upon her release.
The GoFundMe campaign established to cover burial and medical expenses has now exceeded $720,000 in donations.