Charisa Bossinakis
More than USD $600,000 (AUD $902,418) has been raised for a man who was hospitalized and his bride tragically killed moments after their wedding.
The harrowing incident occurred while Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson celebrated their special day in South Carolina.
Soon after they finished their first dance, the happy newlyweds climbed onto a golf cart in Folly Beach, near their reception.
However, while driving, a car allegedly being driven by a drunk driver slammed into the back of their vehicle.
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The Associated Press reported Jamie Lee Komoroski was driving the car and was going 65mph at the time of the crash despite the speed limit being 25mph.
The bride died at the scene while Aric was rushed to hospital, where he's in a serious condition.
Komoroski has since been arrested and charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death or great bodily injury.
In the wake of the accident, Aric’s mother Annette Hutchinson has launched a GoFundMe for her son, with many having rallied to raise funds to cover his medical expenses.
In the description, Annette writes: “Hi, my name is Annette Hutchinson, I am the mother of Aric Hutchinson, the groom.
"Aric lost the love of his life when my new daughter-in-law Samantha ‘Sam’ Hutchinson was tragically killed by a drunk driver moments after the picture above while leaving her wedding reception on April 28th in Folly Beach, South Carolina."
She adds: “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.”
Annette continues: “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.
“This fundraiser will help pay for Sam's burial and medical costs for Aric and his family.
“The couple made their home in both the groom's home state of Utah and the state of South Carolina. The bride is from North Carolina.
“The groom graduated from Bonneville High School in South Ogden, Utah and played college football for Snow College and Utah Tech.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe page has raised USD $$622,496 (AUD $935,312).
If you would like to donate, please head here.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677