According to authorities, a drunk driver hit the golf cart carrying a newly-wed couple as they were leaving their wedding reception in South Carolina, resulting in the death of the bride and serious injuries to the groom.
According to news station WYFF 4, Samantha “Sam” Hutchinson, aged 34, was seen exiting the party with her husband Aric Hutchinson at around 10 p.m. on Friday. Unfortunately, just moments later, a drunk driver crashed into the golf cart they were in while leaving their wedding venue in Folly Beach. The happy couple were involved in the accident.
“I was handed Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows,” the groom’s mother wrote on a GoFundMe page.
“Aric has lost the love of his life,” she stated.
According to Hutchinson’s mother, Ben Garret and Brogan Garrett, who are relatives of the groom, were also injured in the crash while they were escorting the newlyweds in a golf cart.
“The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times,” the page stated.
According to the GoFundMe, the car had “struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone.”
As stated by his mother., Aric sustained a brain injury and multiple fractures, resulting in significant bruising to most of his face. He is presently in critical condition at the hospital, having undergone two reconstructive surgeries so far.
According to the page, Ben, who is one of the passengers, is also in serious condition.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, aged 25 and the driver of the car, was arrested and accused of DUI causing death and reckless homicide.
Police stated that while Komoroski’s blood results are still expected, an investigation revealed that she was driving at 65 mph when she collided with the golf cart.
Hutchinson’s mother started a GoFundMe to raise money for the burial of the bride and the medical expenses of the groom and his family.
According to GoFundMe, the couple established residence in Utah, the groom’s home state, and South Carolina. The bride was originally from North Carolina.
XenTegra, an IT company located in Huntersville, North Carolina, announced on LinkedIn that Samantha, one of its team members, had passed away. The company described her as an essential part of their team.
“She carried a light about her, one that shined so brightly upon everyone with whom she interacted. Simply put, Samantha brought an abundance of joy and laughter to the workplace,” the company wrote a message stating she was a dedicated and detail-oriented worker who consistently exceeded expectations.
“But beyond her professional accomplishments, Samantha was a wonderful person. In the last several months, our team was able to join in her excitement as she shared photos and intricate details about her upcoming wedding,” the company added. “We will forever remember Samantha’s smile, her laughter, and her dedication to her work, friends, and family.”
