Following their wedding celebration, Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson were left devastated when a tragic incident occurred, leaving the bride dead and the groom hospitalized.
The newlyweds had just finished their first dance and were enjoying the company of loved ones at their reception in South Carolina.
As they departed from the event on a golf cart, a drunk driver reportedly crashed into the back of their vehicle, shattering their moment of joy.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Jamie Lee Komoroski was driving the car involved in the crash at 65mph, which was significantly over the 25mph speed limit.
Tragically, Samantha lost her life in the collision, while her husband Aric was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Annette Hutchinson, Aric's mother, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cope with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event and has shared details of what took place.
"My son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett from Morgan, Utah were escorting the couple from the reception in a golf cart when they were struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone," she said.
"The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times."
"Sam died from her injuries. Aric is in serious condition and has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery."
"Ben and Brogan were also injured, Ben seriously."
"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. Aric has lost the love of his life."
Komoroski has allegedly been accused of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence leading to fatalities.
The report states that for each DUI count, she could be sentenced to one to 25 years in prison.
According to a police affidavit, Komoroski admitted to being at an eight on a scale of one to ten when questioned about her level of intoxication.
Reportedly, Komoroski was uncooperative at the scene and had to be taken to the police headquarters.
Police records indicate that she strongly refused to undergo a sobriety test following the accident. The authorities subsequently took a blood sample from the 25-year-old to assess her level of impairment.
Meanwhile, the GoFundMe campaign created for the couple has already amassed over $500,000 in donations. Annette has stated that the funds will be utilized to cover the expenses associated with Samantha's burial, as well as the medical costs for Aric and his loved ones.
