Title: Husband of Bride Killed in Alleged DUI Crash on Wedding Night Set to Receive Nearly $1M in Settlement

In a tragic incident that unfolded on their wedding night, a South Carolina groom lost his beloved bride to an alleged drunk driver. The husband, Aric Hutchinson, is now coming forward to share his heart-wrenching story, as it was announced that he will receive a settlement of nearly $1 million connected to the fatal crash.

According to The Post and Courier, Hutchinson will be awarded approximately $863,300 from various parties involved, including Folly Beach bars The Drop In Bar & Deli, the Crab Shack, and Snapper Jacks, as well as Progressive auto insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The settlement was recently approved by Charleston County Circuit Court Judge Roger Young.

The devastating incident occurred on April 28, 2023, as Hutchinson and his wife, Samantha Miller, were being transported away from their wedding reception on a golf cart. It was at this moment that the alleged drunk driver, Jamie Lee Komoroski, crashed her rented vehicle into the golf cart, propelling it 100 yards. Tragically, Miller, still wearing her wedding dress, lost her life at the scene, while Hutchinson survived with severe injuries, including a brain injury and multiple broken bones.

Komoroski was reported to be driving at a staggering speed of 65 mph on a road with a speed limit of 25 mph. According to the lawsuit filed by Hutchinson, Komoroski had been visibly under the influence, displaying slurred speech and physical impairment, after allegedly frequenting multiple bars around Folly Beach. Tests revealed that her blood-alcohol concentration was more than three times the legal limit.

The settlements reached in this case amount to $1.3 million; however, the final payout will be less after attorney and legal fees are deducted. As the legal process unfolds, Komoroski remains out on bond. In September, she was charged with felony driving under the influence resulting in death, reckless homicide, and two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.

The devastating loss endured by Aric Hutchinson serves as a tragic reminder of the irreversible consequences that can arise from drunk driving incidents. The settlement, while offering some financial solace, cannot bring back the life that was tragically cut short. As this story continues to unfold, it stands as a reminder to prioritize safety and responsible choices to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.