DUI driver admits to crash that killed South Carolina bride on wedding night year after tragedy
A tragic incident occurred last April in South Carolina when a woman was charged with killing a bride on her wedding night in a DUI crash. Jamie Komoroski, 27, was more than three times the legal limit when she crashed into a golf cart carrying newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and her groom, Aric Hutchinson, 36, on their special night, resulting in Miller’s death.
As the trial was set to begin, Komoroski pleaded guilty to one count of felony DUI, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and one count of reckless homicide. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the judge. Despite expressing her guilt and remorse, Hutchinson, the groom, mentioned that no amount of apology could bring back his wife and undo the injuries they both suffered.
The fatal crash occurred when Komoroski was driving at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, causing the tragic collision that changed the lives of the newlyweds and their families forever. Hutchinson spoke in court about the void left by Komoroski’s actions, questioning her on the impact of her choices.
The families of the victims also shared their pain and memories of the last moments they spent with their loved ones. Lisa Miller, Samantha’s mother, described the heart-wrenching loss she experienced, recalling the last dance she shared with her daughter at the wedding reception before the crash.
Komoroski, addressing the families, expressed her deep regret and readiness to accept any punishment deemed fit for her actions. She emphasized taking full responsibility for the consequences of her choices and the grief she caused.
In a partial settlement of $1.3 million, the victims’ families were compensated for their loss through a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchinson against Komoroski. The lawsuit highlighted the responsibilities of the establishments that served Komoroski alcohol before the crash, holding them accountable for their actions.
Despite some settlements with the businesses named in the lawsuit, the final amount was lower than expected due to an ongoing estate dispute between Hutchinson and Lisa Miller, challenging the legality of the marriage between Hutchinson and Samantha. The legal proceedings continue as the families seek closure and justice for the tragic loss they have endured.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of responsible decision-making to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The families involved continue to grieve and seek solace in the memories of their loved ones, hoping for a sense of closure in the aftermath of this devastating event.
