CNN
—
It must have been one of the happiest days of newlywed Samantha Miller’s life. But five hours after saying “I do,” the 34-year-old bride died after being hit by a drunk driver in Folly Beach, South Carolina, leaving her wedding reception Friday night.
Miller was riding in a golf cart-style vehicle with husband Eric Hutchinson and two others when the driver hit them, causing the vehicle to roll several times. A GoFundMe post Written by Hutchinson’s mother and verified by CNN.
Three other passengers were injured, two critically — including Miller’s husband, according to Chief Andrew Gilreath, director of public safety for Folly Beach, a beach community near Charleston.
The golf cart-style vehicle, decorated with cans and a “married” sign, was “so mangled it was on its side,” Gilreath said. First responders tried to revive Miller, but he died at the scene, he said.
The crash threw the cart more than 100 yards, Annette Hutchison wrote in a GoFundMe post. Her son suffered multiple fractures and a brain injury, and has undergone at least one reconstructive surgery, she said.
“Aric’s wedding ring was handed to me in a plastic bag at the hospital, Sam put it on her finger and five hours later they recited their vows to each other,” his mother wrote. “Arik lost the love of his life.”
A campaign created Sunday for funeral and medical expenses had raised $183,000 as of Monday.
Miller, of North Carolina, died of blunt force injuries, according to the Charleston County Coroner’s Office.
The suspect, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is charged with one count of reckless homicide and three counts of felony DUI causing great bodily harm. Online court records program. Gilreath reported that his vehicle was traveling 65 mph in a 25 mph zone.
CNN was unable to locate an attorney for Komarowski.
Low speed vehicles are allowed on highways with speed limits 35 miles or less, according to the South Carolina Legislature. The newlyweds’ vehicle was legally on the road that night, Gilreath said.
