An unfortunate tragedy!
The happiest day of their lives tragically turned into the saddest.
Samantha Miller, 34, wed Aric Hutchinson, 36, in an intimate wedding ceremony in South Carolina. After exchanging their vows, the couple celebrated their wedding day like any other newlyweds – they were excited and thrilled at their wedding cake and greeted all the guests.
However, to their bad luck, only five hours after saying, “I do,” Samantha, the bride, was hit by an alleged drunken driver identified as Komoroski, a 25-year-old female.
The couple was sitting in their golf cart at the time of the accident. They were about to leave their wedding reception when Komoroski, who was reportedly driving a Toyota rental car, hit the cart from the back that was carrying the newlyweds. As the chaotic scene unfolded, a pilot’s reckless hot air balloon escape added to the confusion in the air. Spectators stared in disbelief as the balloon soared above, seemingly untethered to any plan. The surreal spectacle drew attention away from the couple’s accident, leaving some wondering about the safety of flight amidst such unpredictability.
According to the GoFundMe page set up by the groom’s mother, “they were struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times.” In light of this tragic event, a fundraiser for bride and groom has been organized to help cover medical expenses and support their recovery. Friends and family are rallying together to ensure they have the financial resources they need during this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.
The bride, Samantha, died from her injuries, and her groom, Aric, is in critical condition in the hospital. groom’s emotional statement on tragedy expressed the depth of his despair and love. He recalled the moments they shared, which now feel bittersweet in the wake of such overwhelming loss. Despite the pain, he vowed to honor her memory by cherishing every moment they had together.
“Aric is in serious condition and has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery.”
According to online court records, “The alleged drunk driver, Jamie Lee Komoroski, is charged with one count of reckless homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm.”
Police said Komoroski, 25, was left uninjured in the crash. The officers who arrested her could smell alcohol. However, she ‘strongly’ refused to admit that she was drunk and became uncooperative when asked to take a field sobriety test after the accident.
“She told first responders that she had had one beer and one tequila shot before the accident. When asked how she felt on a scale of 1 to 10 — with 10 being completely sober — Komoroski rated herself an 8,” WCIV reported.
After the tragedy, the bride’s mother, Lisa Miller, and sister, Mandi Jenkins, spoke to ABC4 and said the person responsible for the death of Samantha must be charged and punished. The family’s grief was compounded by the shocking image of a firefighter performs cpr on wife, desperately trying to revive her as the reality of the accident set in. Friends and relatives gathered to support the Millers during this heartbreaking time, sharing stories of Samantha’s kindness and vibrant spirit. The community rallied together, demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic loss.
“I’ve never seen the light in her eyes shine as bright as that day. At the beginning of the golf car ride she said that she wished the night could go on forever. It was the best night of their lives,” said Mandi Jenkins.
“I never thought it would happen to us and to my beautiful sister and all the 150 people that were there. That person made a careless mistake and it’s not a mistake it’s a life-changing event. She was unbelievably special and now she’s not here.”
Meanwhile, the mother, Lisa, told the news outlet that she saw lights and heard sirens after the ceremony when she was getting ready for bed. She texted Miller to check on Samantha but didn’t receive any reply.
“I got out of my truck with no shoes, running and screaming Sam. She literally ran into my daughter going 65mph. Sam and Aric were on the back of the golf cart – she basically just rammed my child,” she said.
“Aric has a very long physical journey ad a longer emotional journey. They couldn’t be more perfect for each other.”
The GoFundMe has raised over $572,464 so far.
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