Niamh Shackleton
A groom whose wife was tragically killed on their wedding day has reached a settlement.
What was supposed to be the happiest day of Samantha and Aric Hutchinson's life last year ended in tragedy after the newlyweds were struck by a drunk driver while they were in a golf cart.
The ordeal left Aric in a serious condition, while Samantha was sadly killed.
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Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was behind the wheel of the car that struck the couple, has since been indicted for Samantha's death.
Investigators have claimed that Komoroski had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit on the night of the crash.
The 26-year-old was recently released on bond and her trial date is yet to be set.
Now, over a year on from Samantha's death, her husband and family have reached a settlement after filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Judge Robert Young ruled yesterday (June 18) that Aric, Samantha's estate, and the two other crash victims will receive a $1.3 million settlement.
After attorney and legal fees, the total was over $863,000, WDBJ7 reports.
Those who will have to pay the large sum includes a number of bars in South Carolina's Lowcountry who served Komoroski, as well as Hutchinson's Progressive policy and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
Speaking about hard wrongful death hearings can be, Judge Young said: "I’m like a lot of people, I am aware of this case from the amount of media coverage it had. Very tragic circumstances.
"By definition any time we have a wrongful death suit, they are not easy to bear. No money can bring back people."
According to Aric's lawyer Danny Dalton, the sum wasn't as much as expected because of his client's ongoing legal battle with his late wife's family over her estate.
Following Samantha's untimely death, Aric assumed control of his wife’s estate. However, this decision has since been fiercely contested by his mother-in-law, Lisa Miller.
She then filed a petition in December 2023 to remove him as the personal representative.
Speaking to the Post and Courier publication, the bereaved mother said: "Aric and I agreed several times that Sam would want us to do everything together given we’re the two most important people in her life.
"I never wanted to challenge the validity of the marriage. I never wanted to dishonor Sam. But I feel like Aric is dishonoring my daughter in going against her wishes."
She went on to accuse Aric's legal team of sidelining her and preventing her from getting her share of the inheritance.
The estate dispute is said to be ongoing.