Over $730,000 has been raised, at the time of writing, for a man who was hospitalized and his new bride tragically killed only moments after they were married.
Samantha Miller, 34, lost her life when Jamie Komoroski, 25, allegedly crashed into the golf cart in which she and her new husband, Aric Hutchinson, 36, were riding. The incident left Aric critically injured, as well.
The tragic crash occurred at Folly Beach, South Carolina, with allegations stating that Komoroski was driving at a high speed of 65mph in a 25mph zone while under the influence of alcohol.
The South Carolina woman that was accused of causing the fatal DUI crash, has been denied bail.
According to a toxicology report, her blood-alcohol content was over three times the legal limit.
Since the devastating accident on April 28, Komoroski has been detained at the Charleston County jail, facing charges of three counts of felony DUI resulting in death and one count of reckless homicide.
In her recent court appearance via video link, Komoroski’s attorneys sought a $100,000 bond, proposing that she attend a rehabilitation program, remain under her mother’s supervision, and abstain from access to alcohol or a vehicle.
They argued that she did not pose a flight risk or danger to the community, highlighting her lack of prior criminal history and strong family support.
However, the Circuit Judge Michael Nettles ultimately denied bond, considering her a flight risk despite the defense’s efforts.
Judge Nettles urged both parties to expedite the trial, which is currently scheduled for March 2024.
If Komoroski’s case is not heard by then, she may be eligible for release on a $150,000 surety bond, subjecting her to electronic monitoring and house arrest.
In court, the mother of the bride, Lisa Miller, tearfully expressed the pain and loss caused by the tragic accident, stating, “She didn’t just kill my child. She killed all of us.”
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up by the groom’s devastated mother, Annette Hutchinson, to help cover expenses related to Sam’s burial and medical costs for Aric and his family. Describing the deep bond between Sam and Aric, Hutchinson fondly recalled how Sam had positively impacted her son’s life. The couple had shared dreams of building a future together, including having children and owning a home.
Aric suffered severe injuries in the crash, including two broken legs that required surgical repair, broken bones in his face that also required surgery, broken vertebrae in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches. As he physically recovers at home, he must also come to terms with the devastating loss of his beloved wife. Now, he finds himself involved in the heartbreaking task of planning Sam’s funeral alongside her grieving family.
Heartbreaking.
