Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller were beginning their journey as husband and wife when an unimaginable tragedy struck. What should have been the happiest day of their lives ended in heartbreak and loss.
Just hours after exchanging vows, the couple departed their wedding reception on Folly Beach, South Carolina, in a low-speed vehicle (LSV) adorned with sparklers. Operated by Aric’s relatives, Benjamin and Brogan Garrett, the street-legal cart was heading toward the couple’s accommodation, just two blocks away, when disaster struck.
A rented Toyota driven by 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski collided with the back of the LSV at high speed. Data revealed Komoroski was driving 65 mph in a 25 mph zone and had barely attempted to brake before the crash, which occurred around 10 p.m.
Tragically, Samantha died at the scene from blunt force injuries, while Aric suffered severe injuries, including broken bones and a brain injury. He remains in critical condition. Benjamin Garrett was also hospitalized with serious injuries, while Brogan was treated and later released.
Komoroski, allegedly under the influence at the time of the crash, faces charges of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death. Each DUI charge carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Authorities confirmed the LSV was properly equipped with lights and legal for nighttime driving.
Samantha’s mother, devastated by the loss, shared her grief: “She literally ran into my daughter going 65 miles an hour. Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart, and she just whammed my child.”
Samantha’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, recalled the horrifying moment: “We were sitting on the balcony in our pajamas and heard the sirens. They kept going and going. When my sister didn’t respond to my texts, we drove to the scene, and what we saw was devastating.”
Komoroski refused to provide a breath sample at the police station. A warrant was issued for blood samples, and results are pending.
In the wake of the tragedy, Aric’s mother, Annette Hutchinson, created a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and funeral costs. She wrote: “Aric has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury. He has lost the love of his life.” The fundraiser has raised nearly $600,000 as of Wednesday, far surpassing its $100,000 goal.
Another campaign, started by Samantha’s sister Mandi, has raised $37,000 of its $10,000 goal to honor Samantha’s memory.
“Samantha was fearless, and that’s exactly how she lived her last day,” Mandi wrote. “She was so excited to start her life with Aric. You could feel the love on that beach.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Samantha’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Please share this story to help spread awareness about the devastating impact of driving under the influence.
If you notice a coin lodged in your car’s door handle, it’s wise to contact the authorities
Have you ever noticed a coin lodged in your car’s door handle as you walked up to your vehicle? It’s an odd and intriguing sight. Many people wonder if it’s just a quirky coincidence or if there’s a more significant reason behind it. Interestingly, this method can be used by criminals to break into cars. Stay vigilant! I’m here to share insights on how to leverage this clever trick to keep those car thieves at bay. We’re about to explore the world of automotive security, so get ready!
When criminals set their sights on smart cars, they frequently choose to target the passenger side, utilizing small coins to tamper with the door handles. This prompts an interesting inquiry: why is there a button on the passenger side door? The problem surfaces when you attempt to activate the central locking system with your key, which can lead to unexpected failure. The culprit? A seemingly innocent penny that has gotten stuck in the passenger door, obstructing your ability to properly lock your vehicle.
Now, let’s explore a sense of mystery. Car thieves are not just random opportunists; they frequently harbor more sinister intentions. An intruder could be lurking nearby, waiting in the shadows for the moment when you become distracted or exasperated while trying to unlock your car. So, what actions should a resourceful car owner take if they suspect their vehicle’s door may have been tampered with? Don’t worry—here are some effective DIY strategies to help you counteract the schemes of would-be car thieves.
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