Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
Topics: News, US News, True Crime, Wedding
Amelia Jones
A pair of newlywed's lives together has been cut tragically short as the bride was killed and the groom was left in a critical condition after they were rear-ended by a drunk driver.
Heartbreaking final pictures show the happy couple laughing and doing a sparkler tunnel as they leave their wedding which took place last Friday.
Minutes later bride, Samantha Miller, 34, was killed and groom, Aric Hutchinson, 36, was critically injured as Jamie Komoroski, 25, allegedly crashed into the golf cart they left their wedding reception in.
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Komoroski is being held in custody on three charges of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm or death and one count of reckless homicide.
It's alleged Komoroski was speeding at 65mph in a 25mph zone behind the wheel of a rented Toyota Camry, and under the influence when the tragedy occurred at Folly Beach, South Carolina.
The newlyweds and two others were riding in the cart when it was hit, travelling over 100 yards and rolling several times before coming to a halt.
Bride Samantha was killed instantly from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, Charleston County Coroner's Office have confirmed.
A GoFundMe page set up by Aric's devastated mother, Annette Hutchinson, has raised $432,191 (over £350K) to 'help pay for Sam's burial and medical costs for Aric and his family'.
Undergoing one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, it's unclear if Aric is aware that his wife has died.
He has been in a critical condition since the incident and his brother-in-law, Ben Garrett, and nephew Brogan were also in the cart hit by Komoroski, according to police reports.
While a family member confirmed that Brogan was released from hospital, Ben was seriously injured.
Director of the Folly Beach Public Safety Department, Andrew Gilreath, explained that the golf cart was legally driven at night.
Alone in the rented Toyota, logistics account executive Komoroski has since been charged with one count of reckless homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm or death.
She remains in custody at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center and is set to appear in court in June.
She faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and fine of up to $25,100 (over £20K), for the death of Samantha and an additional 15 years and $10,100 (over £8K) for injuring the other three.
For the charge of reckless homicide she could be handed 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5K (over £4K), in addition to having her license revoked for five years upon release.
Aric's mum tragically wrote on the fundraising page: "I 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 the love of his life."
The page has been flooded by tributes to the tragic couple from friends and strangers alike.
One well wisher commented: "I’m also a 2023 bride and my heart aches hearing this story. Sending you all much love and strength during this heartbreaking time."
Another said: "Aric - our hearts are broken for you."
And one simply said: "I can’t believe you are gone Sam."