Aric Hutchinson gave a poignant testimony in court regarding his severe injuries as his wife’s killer received a 25-year prison sentence.
What was supposed to be the beginning of a joyful new chapter for Aric and Samantha Miller turned into a nightmare.
In April 2023, the couple celebrated their wedding in South Carolina and departed the reception in a golf cart, surrounded by friends and family.
Tragically, they were hit by a drunk driver, resulting in Samantha’s death and leaving Aric with life-altering injuries.
The driver, Jamie Lee Komoroski, was sentenced on December 2 to 25 years in prison for colliding with the couple at 65mph as they left their wedding reception on Folly Beach.
During the sentencing, Aric spoke about the challenges he has faced since the accident and shared his wife’s final words with him.
In court, he recounted: “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 wife had passed away.
He recalled: “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.”
Discussing his own state, he said: “I’ve seen more doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists than I can count, and I still feel the same as I did when I found out that day.
“I wish I had died that night. I wish I had seen it coming. I’d have jumped off the golf cart so that you’d only have run me over.
“We did not get hit, we got ran through at 65mph.”
At the time of the collision, Komoroski’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit, and the crash involved the newlyweds and two of Aric’s family members on the golf cart.
Komoroski received a 25-year sentence for DUI causing Samantha’s death, 15 years for DUI causing Hutchinson’s injuries, and 10 years for reckless homicide, with all sentences to run concurrently.
In her statement to the court, Komoroski expressed remorse for her actions.
She admitted: “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.”