Samantha and Aric Hutchinson had just concluded their wedding reception when a devastating incident occurred.
In the aftermath of a heartbreaking accident, a groom, injured in a tragic crash allegedly caused by drunk driving, has broken his silence for the first time. Samantha and Aric Hutchinson had recently concluded their wedding reception on April 28 in Folly Beach, South Carolina when the car they were traveling in, a golf cart, was struck by another vehicle. Regrettably, the collision claimed Samantha’s life.
Tragedy unfolded as Samantha lost her life, while Aric endured severe injuries, and two additional individuals were also harmed in the incident. Eyewitnesses recounted how the tremendous force of the collision propelled the golf cart over a distance of over 90 meters, causing it to roll multiple times.
Aric sustained a multitude of injuries, including fractures in both legs, broken vertebrae, and facial fractures.
Over the weekend, approximately 100 individuals congregated on Folly Beach to honor Samantha, as reported by South Carolina news station Live 5 News. Friends and family members took to the water, paddling out and casting flowers into the ocean, each bloom inscribed with the name of the 34-year-old bride.
Aric expressed that the farewell was something his beloved late wife would have cherished.
“This is Sam. I mean, she’s a beach girl, through and through,” Aric affectionately shared.
He continued, “We used to walk here nearly every morning, and this tribute is undoubtedly her perfect send-off. I believe she’s looking down on us with a smile.”
Despite the challenges posed by his extensive injuries, Aric mentioned that he was gradually experiencing improvement. “My body is slowly regaining its strength and functionality,” he expressed. “Considering the circumstances, I’m feeling as good as I can. But today, witnessing the overwhelming support from people has been truly incredible. I know Sam would have adored it.”
In a compassionate effort to alleviate the financial burden of Samantha’s funeral expenses and Aric’s medical costs, Annette Hutchinson, Aric’s mother, initiated a fundraiser. It is worth noting that Annette’s son-in-law and grandson were the other two individuals injured in the tragic crash.
Annette took to the GoFundMe page to share an update, mentioning that her son-in-law was undergoing recovery in a burn unit. He had undergone surgery to cleanse and dress his “severe road rash and open wounds.” Fortunately, her 17-year-old grandson sustained only minor injuries, leading Annette to express her belief that a guardian angel had protected him on that fateful night.
Annette expressed her hope that, with the support and love they receive, her grandson can overcome the trauma associated with being involved in such a horrifying accident at such a young age.
Remarkably, the fundraiser has generated over $1 million in donations thus far.
Jamie Komoroski, aged 25, has been charged with three counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in significant bodily injury and/or death, as well as reckless homicide, following the tragic crash. According to law enforcement officials, Komoroski was allegedly driving at a speed of 104 km/h on a road with a posted limit of 40-48 km/h.
Police reports indicate that Komoroski vehemently declined to undergo a field sobriety test and displayed uncooperative behavior. As per an affidavit, when asked to stand, she exhibited severe instability on her feet and nearly lost her balance, prompting an officer to assist her in maintaining an upright position. Officers also reported detecting the odor of alcohol on her breath.
According to the affidavit, Komoroski informed the officers that, on a scale of one to ten, with one representing complete sobriety and ten indicating extreme impairment, she rated herself as an eight.
