April 28, 2023, was a day filled with love and joy for Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller as they celebrated their wedding near the Atlantic coast. However, their happiness was cut short in a devastating accident. Samantha, 34, lost her life, and Aric was left injured when a drunk driver crashed into them as they were leaving their wedding reception on Folly Beach.
The couple had just bid farewell to their loved ones and embarked on a short journey in a low speed vehicle (LSV), similar to a golf cart. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when their vehicle was struck from behind by a rental car driven by Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was intoxicated at the time.
According to reports, Komoroski was driving at an excessive speed of 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, failing to notice the couple’s LSV. The impact of the collision was so severe that the cart rolled multiple times before coming to a stop nearly 100 yards away.
Samantha’s mother, Lisa Miller, tearfully recalled her daughter’s last moments, where she expressed her wish for the night to go on forever. The heartbroken mother also shared how Samantha had described it as the best night of her life.
Upon receiving the tragic news, Lisa went to the crash site, hoping to find her daughter at the hospital, only to discover that Samantha had been pronounced dead at the scene. Aric, on the other hand, suffered broken bones and brain injuries, undergoing multiple surgeries as he begins his long and challenging road to recovery.
The driver responsible for the accident, Komoroski, was found to be heavily intoxicated and unsteady on her feet. She now faces charges of drunk driving causing death and reckless vehicular homicide, with each charge carrying a potential prison sentence of one to 25 years.
The devastating loss of Samantha has left a deep impact on her loved ones, particularly Aric, who has lost his soulmate. To assist with funeral expenses and medical bills, two GoFundMe campaigns have been set up. One organized by Aric’s mother has already raised close to $600,000 for Samantha’s funeral and the ongoing care of Aric, Benjamin, and Brogan, who were also injured in the accident.
The other GoFundMe, started by Samantha’s sister Mandi, aims to support the family during this difficult time and has raised over $37,000 so far.
Samantha was described as a fearless and vibrant young woman who approached life with excitement and love. She was looking forward to starting a new chapter with Aric, and their wedding day was a testament to their deep affection for each other. The tragedy that unfolded on that fateful night has left everyone heartbroken, and our thoughts and condolences go out to Aric and both of their families.
