Groom Whose Wife Was Killed In Wedding Day Golf Cart Crash Plans Funeral As He Recovers

A groom from South Carolina who sustained a brain injury in a terrible accident that killed his bride after their wedding reception is now recovering at home and planning his new wife’s funeral, according to his family.

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Aric Hutchinson, aged 36, has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries to repair fractures in his legs and face as well as broken vertebrae.

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“He is physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife,” wrote his mother, Annette Hutchinson, in an update on GoFundMe. “Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family.”

WCIV

On April 28, following their wedding at Folley Beach, South Carolina, Aric and Samantha Hutchinson were being driven in a golf cart with two family members when a suspected drunk driver, who was traveling 40 mph over the 25 mph speed limit, collided with their slow-moving vehicle from behind. 

The crash caused the golf cart to go flying for a distance of over 100 yards and it rolled over.

Facebook / Michael D Peifer

Sadly, Samantha, aged 34, was declared dead at the scene of the accident, only a few hours after she and Aric had exchanged their wedding vows.

Another victim, the groom's relative, Ben Garrett, was also severely injured in the accident. He underwent surgery to clean out his significant road rash and open wounds and is currently receiving treatment in a burn unit.

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The latest update on Garrett's condition reveals that he will require an additional skin graft once he returns to his home in Utah. As his injuries continue to heal, he will remain in a hospital in South Carolina.

Fortunately, the third person involved in the crash, 17-year-old Brogan Garrett, only sustained minor injuries on April 28.

The groom’s mom added: “We truly believe a guardian angel was with him that night. Our hope is that with love and support, he can get through the trauma of having been involved in this horrific accident at 17.”

“All three are being incredibly strong despite the pain they are suffering.” Annette Hutchinson wrote.

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The driver of the car, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was arrested and charged with three counts of DUI involving great bodily injury or death and reckless homicide, according to the Charleston County Detention Center website.

An affidavit released by the Charleston County court magistrate provided more details the responding officer reported about the crash scene.

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The officer said in the statement that he asked Komoroski if she had been drinking, and she "stated that she had one beer and a drink with tequila about an hour ago."

He also asked her where her condition fell on a scale from 1 to 10, with one being completely sober and 10 being the most impaired, "she stated she was at an eight," according to the affidavit.

Komoroski was asked to complete a field sobriety test, "which she strongly refused and became uncooperative on scene," officials said. The officer described her as "very unsteady on her feet and almost fell down and I had to help her stand."

"Her blood draw results are pending. An investigation into the crash determined she was going 65 mph at the time she struck the cart," police said.

Family of Samantha Miller via AP

Eric's mother has provided an update on their family, as many people have expressed their concern and interest.

Family of Samantha Miller via AP

"We are missing Sam more than anything, she instantly fit into our family from the first day Aric and Sam met, she was everything to my son and changed him for the better. She could light up a room with her presence and had an ease about her. They shared many hopes and dreams for their future including children and building a house."

"We wish to thank everyone who has given us hope through thoughtful words of encouragement and generous donations. Also the communities of support in Folly Beach, James Island, Charleston, South Carolina and back home in Utah, who are helping us get through this a day at a time." 

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"Also, our hearts goes out to the first on the scene, first responders, the police, and all the staff at MUSC hospital, we are forever changed by the love we have received."