The golf cart a couple of newlyweds were riding on was rear-ended by a woman deputies claimed was driving under the influence on Friday, killing the
The golf cart a couple of newlyweds were riding on was rear-ended by a woman deputies claimed was driving under the influence on Friday, killing the bride as she left her wedding reception in South Carolina and gravely injuring the groom, according to officials.
One of the four people riding on the golf cart was Samantha “Sam” Miller Hutchinson, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, who passed away at the scene, according to WSOC-TV. WYFF-TV stated that the groom, Aric Hutchinson, had many fractured bones, brain damage, and was in critical condition. Hutchinson’s mother claims that he has undergone one repair procedure and will have another soon.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was charged with three counts of DWI causing death and three counts of reckless vehicular homicide, according to the Charleston County Detention Center website. On each DUI charge, she faces a prison sentence of one to 25 years.
According to WCIV-TV, Komoroski was allegedly speeding at 65 mph when she allegedly struck the bridal party on Folly Island, south of Charleston. The Associated Press stated that there is a 25 mph restriction on the island.
Per Annette Hutchinson, who identified herself as the groom’s mother on a GoFundMe page, the newlyweds were being escorted by her son-in-law and grandson on a road in Folly Beach, a neighborhood south of Charleston, at around 10 p.m. EDT. They had traveled from Utah for the wedding.
The golf cart has lights and could be driven at night, according to Andrew Gilreath, director of Folly Beach Public Safety Department, the news source said.
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is another term police are using to describe the golf cart, according to WCIV.
On her GoFundMe page, Annette Hutchinson stated that she was raising money to cover her son’s funeral expenses as well as his medical expenses. Already, more than $263,000 has been collected.
“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,” wrote Annette Hutchinson. “Aric has lost the love of his life.”
Online records say Komoroski is still being held without bond at the Charleston County Detention Center.
