On April 28, 2023, Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller exchanged their vows and celebrated the beginning of their life as husband and wife. They danced on the Atlantic coast under a starry sky.
However, the tragic reality struck the young couple sooner than expected. Leaving the wedding reception at Folly Beach, an island off the coast of South Carolina, Aric and Samantha were struck by a drunk driver. Samantha (34) lost her life, and Aric was rushed to the hospital. Two other individuals were also injured in the accident.
Reflecting on the poignant moment when Samantha expressed her wish that the night could last forever as they rode in the cart, the mother of the bride, Lisa Miller, shared that it was the best night of her daughter’s life.
The most beautiful day of their lives
The couple’s most beautiful day tragically ended after they joyfully left the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson under a canopy of glitter. Along with Aric’s family members, Benjamin and Brogan Garrett, the young couple got into the back of the low speed vehicle (LSV), a legally allowed cart similar to a golf cart, just two blocks away from their home.
It was at this moment that Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, drove her Toyota rental car into the back of the LSV, causing the devastating collision.
The Associated Press reported that Komoroski was speeding at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone and only lightly applied the brakes before the crash at Folly Beach at around 10 pm on Friday. The director of public safety, Andrew Gilreath, confirmed that the LSV was properly equipped with lighting and was legally operated at night.
Recalling the horrific incident, the mother of the bride expressed to local media: “I don’t know what the distraction was, but she literally plowed into my daughter at 65 miles an hour. Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart, so she essentially just plowed into my child.”
Sirens and wreckage
When Mandi Jenkins, Samantha’s sister, noticed the sirens near their home, she immediately grew concerned. “We were in our pajamas on the balcony… and started to hear the sirens. And the sirens kept going,” Jenkins recounted. After receiving no response to her text messages, they hurried to the accident site.
The impact of the crash propelled the LSV approximately 100 meters, causing the cart to overturn multiple times before coming to a halt.
The scene was described as “a major crash scene with a cart on its side and several victims lying among the wreckage”.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Lisa learned that her daughter had tragically passed away. Samantha, still dressed in her wedding attire, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Aric sustained severe injuries including broken bones and brain trauma. One of the passengers suffered critical injuries, while the other remained stable.
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Reckless homicide, driving under the influence
Reports from the police indicated that Komoroski exhibited signs of alcohol consumption. She claimed to have consumed only a beer and a tequila shot an hour prior to the incident.
Officers noted that she was visibly unstable on her feet and had to be assisted to prevent her from falling. Komorowski adamantly refused to undergo a breathalyzer test and remained uncooperative at the police station. Subsequently, a court order was issued for two blood samples, the results of which are pending.
Komoroski faces charges of reckless homicide and three counts of driving under the influence leading to fatalities. Each DUI charge carries a possible sentence of one to 25 years in prison.
With a history of speeding violations, Komoroski was placed under suicide watch following her statement expressing a desire to end her life.
GoFundMe campaigns
Two GoFundMe campaigns have been initiated. One spearheaded by Aric’s mother, Annette Hutchinson, aims to cover Samantha’s funeral expenses and medical bills for Aric, Benjamin, and Brogan.
Annette detailed Aric’s critical condition, undergoing reconstructive surgeries for broken bones and brain injuries, necessitating a lengthy recovery period. Reflecting on the heartbreaking moment when she received Aric’s wedding ring in a ziplock bag at the hospital, Annette emphasized that Aric had lost the love of his life. The campaign has raised nearly $700,000, surpassing the initial $100,000 goal.
The second GoFundMe campaign organized by Samantha’s sister Mandi has raised close to $50,000, exceeding the $10,000 target. Mandi reflected on Samantha’s fearless spirit on the last day of her life and her excitement to begin a new chapter with Aric, devoid of any fear or hesitation. The outpouring of support is a testament to the love shared by the couple.
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The beginning of a lifetime together turned into an unimaginable tragedy. Samantha Miller’s untimely demise is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Aric and their families during this difficult time.
