Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller had exchanged vows and were excited about beginning their journey as a married couple. However, their joy was short-lived as their wedding night, which was supposed to be a memorable and happy occasion, ended in tragedy.
Just a few hours after tying the knot, the newlyweds departed their reception on Folly Beach, an island located off the coast of South Carolina.
The couple was sent off under a beautiful canopy of sparklers and boarded a low-speed vehicle (LSV), similar to a golf cart, which was being driven by Aric’s relatives, Benjamin and Brogan Garrett.
The couple was only two blocks away from their accommodation when a Toyota, driven by Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, and rented by her, collided with the back of the LSV.
The coroner’s office reported that Samantha tragically passed away at the scene of the accident due to blunt force injuries, while Aric suffered severe injuries, including head trauma and broken bones, leaving him in critical condition. Benjamin was also seriously injured and required hospitalization, while Brogan sustained injuries but was released from the hospital on Friday.
Komorski was found to have been driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Evidence retrieved from the rental car revealed that she was driving at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, and only applied the brakes briefly before colliding with the LSV around 10 p.m. on Friday, while driving on Folly Beach. Safety Department Director Andrew Gilreath confirmed that the LSV was equipped with lights and was legally allowed to be driven at night.
“I don’t know what distracted her, but she crashed into my daughter at 65 miles per hour. Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart, and she basically just slammed into my child,” Samantha’s grief-stricken mother, who had danced with her daughter just hours before the tragic accident, shared.
Samantha’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, shared that she and her family were in their pajamas on the balcony when they heard the sound of sirens. The sirens continued, prompting Mandi to send a text message to her sister, but she did not receive a response. When they arrived at the scene, they were met with a horrifying sight.
Komoroski has been charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death, each carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.
While at the police station, Komorski refused to provide a breath sample, but a warrant was issued for two vials of blood. The results of the blood test are currently pending.
