A newlywed couple’s lives were brutally cut short when the bride was slain and the groom was critically injured after being rear-ended by a drunk motorist.
The happy couple is seen smiling and performing a sparkler tunnel as they depart their wedding, which took place last Friday.
Minutes later, Samantha Miller, 34, was murdered, and groom Aric Hutchinson, 36, was gravely wounded when Jamie Komoroski, 25, reportedly drove into the golf cart in which they had left their wedding reception.
Komoroski is being detained in jail on three counts of felony DUI causing serious bodily damage or death, as well as one case of reckless murder.
Komoroski is accused of speeding at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone while driving a leased Toyota Camry while under the influence in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
The newlyweds and two others were traveling in the cart when it was struck, and it traveled almost 100 yards before coming to a rest.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office reported that bride Samantha died instantly from blunt force injuries received in the incident.
A GoFundMe campaign put up by Aric’s grieving mother, Annette Hutchinson, has received $432,191 (almost £350K) to ‘help pay for Sam’s funeral and medical expenditures for Aric and his family’.
It’s unknown if Aric is aware that his wife died while undergoing one of two reconstructive procedures, several fractured bones, and a head damage.
According to police sources, he has been in serious condition since the event, and his brother-in-law, Ben Garrett, and nephew, Brogan, were also in the cart struck by Komoroski.
While a family member confirmed Brogan’s release from the hospital, Ben was critically wounded.
Andrew Gilreath, Director of the Folly Beach Public Safety Department, said that the golf cart was lawfully operated at night.
Komoroski, who was alone in the rental Toyota, has subsequently been charged with one count of reckless murder and three counts of felony DUI resulting in grave bodily damage or death.
She is still being held in the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court in June.
She faces up to 25 years in jail and a punishment of up to $25,100 (over £20,000) for Samantha’s death, as well as an extra 15 years and $10,100 (over £8K) for hurting the other three.
For reckless murder, she faces up to ten years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 (£4,000), as well as having her license revoked for five years upon release.
She was handed Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, Five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows, Aric has lost his life’s love. Aric’s mother wrote sadly on the fundraising website.
The website has been inundated with condolences for the unfortunate pair from both friends and strangers.
“I’m also a 2023 bride, and my heart aches hearing this story,” one well-wisher said. During this heartbreaking time, I am sending you all my love and strength.”
“Aric, our hearts are broken for you,” remarked another.
“I can’t believe you’re gone, Sam,” one stated simply.
