Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe. WCBD
Topics: US News
Stewart Perrie
A bride has been tragically killed and her groom hospitalized after a horror incident that happened just after they finished their wedding.
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson would have been on cloud nine after celebrating their big day with their friends and family in South Carolina.
After having their first dance and partying away with their nearest and dearest, they left their reception at Folly Beach in a golf cart.
However moments later, a car allegedly being driven by a drunk driver slammed into the back of their vehicle.
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The Associated Press reports the car was being driven Jamie Lee Komoroski and it was going at 65mph at the time of the crash despite the speed limit being 25mph.
Samantha died in the crash and her newly-minted husband was rushed to hospital where he's in a serious condition.
Aric's mother, Annette Hutchinson, has started a GoFundMe in the wake of the tragedy and revealed what happened.
"My son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett from Morgan, Utah were escorting the couple from the reception in a golf cart when they were struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone," she said. "The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times.
"Sam died from her injuries. Aric is in serious condition and has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery.
"Ben and Brogan were also injured, Ben seriously."
She added: "I was handed Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows. Aric has lost the love of his life."
CBS News reports Komoroski has been charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death.
The news outlet claims she faces one to 25 years behind bars on each driving under the influence count.
A police affidavit claimed Komoroski told authorities she was at an eight when asked how drunk she was on a scale of one to 10.
She allegedly became 'uncooperative on scene' before being transported to police headquarters.
Police documents have shown that Komoroski 'strongly refused' to take a sobriety tests after the crash.
The 25-year-old had blood taken from her to do an analysis on her impairment.
The GoFundMe that has been set up for the couple has already attracted more than $500,000 in donations.
Annette says the money 'will help pay for Sam's burial and medical costs for Aric and his family'.