A man has spoken out for the first time since his wife was tragically killed on their wedding day last month (28 April).
Bride Samantha Miller, 34, was killed instantly while groom, Aric Hutchinson, 36, was left critically injured after Jamie Komoroski, 25, allegedly rear-ended the wedding party’s golf cart, according to police.
Hutchinson has since opened up about how he is faring after leaving the hospital as well as how he is handling his grief.
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The newlyweds' lives changed forever when Miller was killed while still wearing her wedding dress on Folly Beach.
Tragic photos show the happy couple rejoicing with friends and family on their special day just moments before the fatal car crash.
Following the devastating incident, Hutchinson's mum, Annette, decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help cover funeral and medical costs.
Annette explained that her son and late daughter-in-law were 'struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone'.
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She continued: "The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times."
While Miller died instantly from her injuries, Hutchinson was left in 'serious condition', having suffered multiple broken bones in his legs and spine, as well as a brain injury.
However, after a few weeks in the hospital, the 36-year-old has finally been able to return home to his family.
In an update to the GoFundMe page last Monday (8 May), Annette revealed: "From the accident Aric received multiple injuries including two broken legs, one which had to be surgically repaired.
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"Broken bones in his face which also had to be surgically repaired. Broken vertebrae’s in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches.
"He is physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife.
"Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family."
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At the time of writing, a staggering $720,600 has been raised out of the initial $100,000 goal.
Hutchinson has now returned to where he got married for the first time since the crash over the weekend (13 May), where 'at least 100 people' gathered to mourn the loss.
"She would’ve loved it," Hutchinson told news outlet Live 5 while sitting on a wheelchair at the shoreline.
"This is Sam. I mean, 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."
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He added: "I’m feeling pretty good. My body’s getting back to where I can manage, I guess. It’s just as good as I can feel with the situation, but obviously, today and the outpouring of people was just amazing. I know Sam would love it."
While Hutchinson said it was 'a little overwhelming' seeing the crowds of people who came to Folly Beach to honour the memory of his wife, he added that it 'means the world'.
He said: "It’s a little overwhelming; but it’s, I mean, 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."
Komoroski, who was allegedly drunk while behind the wheel at the time of the crash, has since been charged with one count of reckless homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm.
Rhiannon Ingle