A groom who has faced unimaginable tragedy over the past two-and-a-half years after his wife was killed on their wedding day has reached a final settlement.
Aric Hutchinson and his bride, Samantha Miller, had just left their wedding reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina, in a golf cart when Jamie Lee Komoroski, intoxicated at the time, collided with the vehicle at 65mph in April 2023.
Samantha tragically died, while Hutchinson was left with severe injuries, including a brain injury from the crash.
Komoroski pleaded guilty to two counts of felony driving under the influence (DUI) resulting in great bodily injury, a count of felony DUI resulting in death, and reckless homicide.
She was sentenced to 25 years for the DUI that resulted in Samantha’s death, 15 years for the DUI that caused Hutchinson’s injuries, and 10 years for reckless homicide.
Komoroski is serving these sentences concurrently.
Hutchinson had previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and several South Carolina bars that reportedly served her on the day of the incident.
In June 2024, the lawsuit was partially settled, awarding Hutchinson, Samantha’s estate, and two other crash victims a total of $1.3 million.
After attorney and legal fees, the sum amounted to over $863,000, according to WDBJ7.
Those responsible for the payment included various bars in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, along with Hutchinson’s Progressive policy and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
Hutchinson has now accepted a final settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit, receiving an additional $104,000 in damages after Komoroski’s vehicle insurer was required to pay $160,000.
The remaining funds will be allocated to cover attorney fees and other expenses.
During Komoroski’s sentencing in December 2024, Hutchinson recounted his wife’s final words to him.
In the courtroom, he said: “She said she didn’t want the night to end, I kissed her on the head, the next thing I knew I woke up in hospital.”
He also described the devastating moment he realized his new wife had passed away.
“I saw my mom wearing the same wedding dress as she had on the night before. Asked for Sam and knew instantly she wasn’t there,” Hutchinson recounted.
Komoroski expressed remorse during her sentencing, stating: “On the night of April 22, 2023, I chose to drink and drive, which resulted in the death of Samantha Miller.
“This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life.
“I want them to know how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart and that I take full responsibility for my actions. I will always be devastated, deeply ashamed, and terribly sorry for what I have done.”