As Samantha Miller Hutchinson and her new husband Aric Hutchinson left their April 28 wedding reception on an island near Charleston, S.C., in a golf cart, a speeding car collided with them.
While Aric survived, Samantha, 34, died from her injuries, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, as cited by CBS News.
“My son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett from Morgan, Utah, were escorting the couple from the reception in a golf cart when they were struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone,” said a GoFundMe established by Aric’s mother, Annette Hutchinson. “The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times.”
She said her son “lost the love of his life,” and recalled getting her daughter-in-law’s ring handed to her at the hospital in a plastic bag.
Folly Beach Public Safety Department Director Andrew Gilreath confirmed that the couple married just hours before the accident, per CBS. He also said the golf cart had lights and was legal to drive at night.
By Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe had surpassed its goal of $100,000 with a total of $429,566 in donations. A second GoFundMe was also established by Samantha’s family. Donations are expected to go to Samantha’s burial costs and Aric’s medical expenses.
Records from Charleston County show that 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski was arrested April 29. She has been charged with three felony counts of driving under the influence resulting in a death as well as reckless homicide.
According to CBS News, data retrieved from Komoroski’s rental car indicated she was driving 65 mph, well over the 25-mph speed limit on the island of Folly Island, “and only briefly hit the brakes before she hit the golf cart.”
Aric and the two others who were in the golf cart sustained injuries in the crash.
“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,” said his mother’s GoFundMe, which includes photos of Aric in the hospital. “Ben and Brogan were also injured, Ben seriously.”
Aric graduated from Bonneville High School in South Ogden, Utah and played college football for Snow College and Utah Tech. Samantha was from Charlotte, N.C.
“Sam Miller was pure love,” said her family’s GoFundMe. “There isn’t and won’t be another person on this planet that shined the way she did.”
Komoroski was listed as a Charleston County inmate as of Tuesday and records indicate she is expected to appear in court next month.
Related
Related
