£556,300 raised for man who lost his wife on wedding day as he wakes up to plan funeral
More than £556,000 has been raised to help a man who lost his wife on their wedding day when they were hit by a drunk driver.
Aric Hutchinson, as well as his new wife Sam and two family members, were in a golf cart when a drunk driver - reportedly going 40 miles-per-hour over the speed limit - hit them.
Sam was killed in the accident - which took place at their wedding reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina - while Aric himself suffered serious injuries and is facing a long road to recovery.
Fellow family members Benjamin Garrett and Brogan Garrett were also involved in the crash, with Benjamin also experiencing serious injuries, though mercifully Brogan’s injuries were not as serious.
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Now, Aric has woken up and had to start the heartbreaking task of planning his wife’s funeral along with her family.
Writing on the GoFundMe page that has so far raised over $700,000 (£556,300) Aric’s mother Annette said: “On April 28th, what started as the happiest day for Aric and Sam ended with a tragedy.
“While our hearts are broken along with the Millers, we never could have imagined how sharing our story would result in the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and overwhelming generosity we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and strangers.
“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.”
She continued: “From the accident Aric received multiple injuries including two broken legs, one which had to be surgically repaired.
“Broken bones in his face which also had to be surgically repaired. Broken vertebrae’s in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches.
“He is physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife.
“Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family.”
Thanking those who have contributed to the fund, she added: “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.
“Also, our hearts go 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.”
The driver of the vehicle that was involved in the crash has been named as 25-year-old Jamie Komoroski.
She has been charged with one count of reckless vehicular homicide, as well as three counts of felony driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in death and/or great bodily injury.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Tom Wood