A driver under the influence was handed a prison sentence exceeding twenty years after being found guilty of causing a fatal accident that claimed the life of a newlywed woman.
On December 2, Jamie Lee Komoroski received a 25-year prison term for crashing into a newlywed couple. This tragic event occurred on the day of their wedding.
The incident took place in April 2023, when Aric Hutchinson and his bride, Samantha Miller, were leaving their reception in Folly Beach, North Carolina, in a golf cart. Komoroski collided with their vehicle at a speed of 65 mph.
Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years for DUI causing Samantha’s death, in addition to 15 years for DUI resulting in Hutchinson’s injuries, and 10 years for reckless homicide. These sentences will be served concurrently.
Komoroski was visibly emotional as she heard her sentence and addressed those present in the courtroom.
She stated: “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.
“Due to my poor decisions, a beautiful wife, sister, and daughter was taken,” she said. “All I can say is how incredibly remorseful I am.”
“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.”
Aric Hutchinson was also present and shared heart-wrenching details about the impact of this tragedy on his life, including the last words his wife spoke to him.
In the courtroom, he tearfully 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 discussed the challenges he faces in his recovery, as he was left with severe and lasting injuries due to the crash.
Addressing his ongoing struggles, he shared: “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.”