The bride and groom, newlyweds, had their lives tragically ended when a drunk driver crashed into the golf cart they were riding in, killing the bride and critically injuring the groom.
Only moments before the accident, the couple had been captured on camera smiling and walking through a sparkler tunnel after their wedding ceremony, which had taken place the previous Friday.
The collision occurred when Jamie Komoroski, 25, crashed into the golf cart, which the couple had used to leave their wedding reception. Samantha Miller, 34, was killed instantly, and her husband Aric Hutchinson, 36, was left with grave injuries.
Komoroski has been arrested and is currently being held in jail on multiple charges, including three counts of felony DUI causing serious bodily injury or death, and one count of reckless murder.
The incident occurred in Folly Beach, South Carolina, where Komoroski was allegedly driving a leased Toyota Camry while intoxicated and exceeding the speed limit of 25 mph.
The golf cart, which was carrying the newlyweds and two other passengers, was struck by Komoroski’s vehicle and was propelled nearly 100 yards before finally coming to a stop.
According to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, the bride, Samantha, passed away immediately as a result of blunt force injuries sustained in the accident.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Aric’s mother, Annette Hutchinson, to assist with the expenses related to Sam’s funeral and medical bills for Aric and his family, has raised $432,191 (equivalent to almost £350K).
It is unclear whether Aric is aware that his wife passed away while undergoing one of two reconstructive surgeries and was also dealing with several fractures and head injuries.
As per police reports, Aric has been in critical condition since the accident, and his brother-in-law, Ben Garrett, and nephew, Brogan, were also present in the golf cart that was hit by Komoroski’s vehicle.
Although a family member confirmed that Brogan has been discharged from the hospital, Ben’s condition remains critical.
Andrew Gilreath, the Director of the Folly Beach Public Safety Department, confirmed that the golf cart was being operated lawfully at the time of the accident, during the night.
Komoroski, who was the only occupant of the rented Toyota, has been charged with one count of reckless murder and three counts of felony DUI resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
Currently, she is being held at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and is set to appear in court in June. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,100 (equivalent to over £20,000) for causing Samantha’s death.
She may also face an additional punishment of 15 years in prison and a fine of $10,100 (equivalent to over £8K) for injuring the other three victims.
If convicted of reckless murder, Komoroski could face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 (£4,000). Additionally, her license may be revoked for five years after her release from prison.
Aric’s mother expressed her sorrow on the fundraising website, stating that Aric was given his wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, just five hours after Samantha had placed it on his finger during their vows. Aric had lost the love of his life.
The website has received an outpouring of condolences from both friends and strangers.
One sympathizer shared, “I’m also a 2023 bride, and my heart aches hearing this story. During this heartbreaking time, I am sending you all my love and strength.”
“Aric, our hearts are broken for you,” another commented.
Another person simply said, “I can’t believe you’re gone, Sam.”