A groom has spoken out after his bride was tragically killed just minutes after leaving their wedding reception.
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson were celebrating what was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives.
After getting legally married, the newlyweds enjoyed the wedding reception with family and friends.
But after leaving on a golf cart decorated with a ‘Just Married’ sign, tragedy struck.
The news has seen an outpouring of tributes from people all over the world.
One person comments: “My heart aches hearing this story. Sending you all much love and strength during this heartbreaking time.”
Another writes: “Aric – our hearts are broken for you.”
While a third adds: “I can’t believe you are gone, Sam.”
According to reports, Miller and Hutchinson were rear-ended by alleged drunk driver, 25-year-old Jamie Komoroski.
Komoroski, driving a rented Toyota Camry, was allegedly driving at 65mph in a 25mph zone and was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
The crash occurred at Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA.
The couple was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times before coming to a stop.
Miller died instantly due to blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.
Hutchinson, who suffered a brain injury and multiple broken bones, underwent two reconstructive surgeries and was in a critical condition following the accident.
His brother-in-law, Ben Garrett, and nephew, Brogan, were also in the cart hit by Komoroski and were injured.
Komoroski, who was alone in the car, was charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm or death.
A GoFundMe page created by Hutchinson’s mother, Annette, has raised over $743,000 to cover Miller’s burial costs and Hutchinson’s medical expenses.
In an emotional post, Hutchinson’s mother writes: “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.”
The couple’s final pictures, showing them laughing and doing a sparkler tunnel as they left their wedding ceremony, have been shared widely on social media since the tragedy.
Hutchinson has since spoken out in a recent interview with Good Morning America.
He opened up about the fateful day, his recovery process, and coping with the immense loss.
Reflecting on the experience, he said: “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. That night, going from an all-time high to an all-time low, it’s pretty rough to try to comprehend.”
He remembered his late wife fondly, sharing: “She was so happy. I mean, planning a wedding, as most people know, is extremely stressful. And she just had a weird, like, calmness that night.”
Recalling Samantha’s last words, Aric said: “I do remember the last thing I remember her saying was she wanted the night to never end.”
The Associated Press has confirmed Hutchinson will receive nearly $1 million in a partial settlement related to the crash.
According to The Post and Courier, Hutchinson will be awarded approximately $863,300 from various parties including Folly Beach establishments The Drop-In Bar & Deli, The Crab Shack, and Snapper Jacks; Progressive auto insurance; and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
These businesses allegedly served the driver alcohol, and Enterprise rented her the vehicle.
The total settlements amount to $1.3 million, but the final amount Hutchinson will receive will be reduced after attorney and legal fees.
Komoroski, who is currently out on bond, faces felony charges including driving under the influence resulting in death, reckless homicide, and two counts of driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.
Her case is still progressing through the court system.
The grieving groom is now in a legal battle with his mother-in-law over her estate, as she questions the validity of their marriage.
Samantha’s mother, Lisa Miller, initially expressed deep appreciation for Hutchinson, considering him something of son to her.
However, she is now seeking to remove him as the executor of Samantha’s estate, citing concerns over ‘potential fraud’ and suggesting that the marriage may not be legally valid.
At the center of the dispute is a potentially substantial legal settlement from the wrongful death lawsuit.
Lisa Miller’s legal challenge includes filing, withdrawing, and then refiling a motion to intervene in the case.
She told The Post and Courier that she feels Hutchinson is marginalizing her in the settlement process, which she believes goes against her daughter’s wishes.
“Aric and I agreed several times that Sam would want us to do everything together given we’re the two most important people in her life,” she stated.
“I never wanted to challenge the validity of the marriage. I never wanted to dishonor Sam. But I feel like Aric is dishonoring my daughter by going against her wishes.”
Miller’s attorney, Jerry Meehan, has accused Hutchinson of orchestrating a ‘money grab’ and is arguing that Lisa Miller’s primary aim is to protect Samantha’s estate and ensure all rightful heirs are considered.
The legitimacy of the marriage has come under scrutiny due to the fact that it was registered on May 1, three days after the wedding, with the license signed by Hutchinson’s aunt and uncle.
There were also allegedly discrepancies in the license, such as the aunt and uncle stating they had known both for 36 years, despite Miller being only 34.
Aric Hutchinson has expressed sadness over the conflict, stating he had offered his mother-in-law half of the settlement.
His lawyers have dismissed the questions about the marriage certificate as irrelevant and called Lisa Miller’s motion to intervene ‘morally questionable’ and ‘legally baseless.’
Hutchinson’s attorney, Patrick Wooten, said: “Aric has been more than generous with Lisa Miller — offering her half of the money — and she has repaid him by threatening to bring a frivolous challenge to the validity of his marriage to Sam. One would hope that Ms. Miller would have too much respect for her own daughter to do that.”
Hutchinson has offered Lisa Miller half of any recovery from the wrongful death suit if she agrees to stop pursuing legal challenges against the validity of their marriage.
“Aric has made this settlement offer not because Lisa Miller had a valid legal claim — she does not — but rather because he is a generous person and, of course, would prefer to avoid painful, public litigation over the validity of his marriage to Sam,” said Wooten.
