Husband of bride killed on wedding day speaks out for the first time
The husband of a bride killed on her wedding day in a tragic crash has spoken out for the first time.
Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller had just tied the knot at their wedding reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina, when the golf cart they were being driven away in was struck by an alleged drunk driver.
In the golf cart were Aric, Samantha, along with fellow family members Benjamin and Brogan Garrett.
Samantha died from her injuries while Aric had to undergo reconstruction surgeries after suffering broken bones and a brain injury, Benjamin and Brogan also suffered injuries.
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Police identified the driver as Jamie Komoroski, she has been charged with one count of reckless vehicular homicide, along with three counts of felony driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in death and/or great bodily injury.
According to a police report of the crash her blood alcohol level was three times over the legal limit and she was in a confused state saying: "All of a sudden something hit me. I did nothing wrong."
Jamie's lawyers have called on people not to 'rush to judgment' and said that 'all facts will come to light' in court.
"We cannot fathom what the families are going through and offer our deepest sympathies," they said in a statement.
“We simply ask that there not be a rush to judgment. Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy and that is where all facts will come to light."
People have raised over $720,000 (£574,000) for Aric's family on a GoFundMe set up by his mother Annette and he is facing both his medical recovery and the pain of planning his wife's funeral when they should have been starting their lives together.
Aric has visited the beach he and Samantha got married on for the first time since the crash and spoken about his loss for the first time.
Visiting the beach with family members who went into the sea to throw flowers with 'Sam' written on the stems into the ocean, Aric spoke about what his wife would have made of the tribute.
He said: "She would’ve loved it. This is Sam. I mean, she’s a beach girl, through and through. We do walk here almost every morning, and this is her send-off for sure. She’s up there smiling for sure.
"I’m feeling pretty good. My body’s getting back to where I can manage, I guess. It’s just as good as I can feel with the situation, but obviously, today and the outpouring of people was just amazing. I know Sam would love it.
"It’s a little overwhelming; but it’s, I mean, they’re sincere, genuine, good-hearted people that are just reaching out that felt a reason to, or somehow they were touched by Sam. It just means the world. She left that impact."
According to Live 5, Aric watched well-wishers paddle into the sea and throw the flowers with Samantha's name on them from the shoreline as he was sat in a wheelchair.
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.
Joe Harker