'She’s up there smiling': Aric Hutchinson remembers wife Samantha Miller who died in wedding night crash as Folly Beach community pays tribute
FOLLY BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: At least 100 people gathered at a beach to remember the late Samantha Miller on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Among those present was her husband Aric Hutchinson. Jamie Lee Komoroski, an alleged drunk driver, mowed down and killed Miller, a newly-married bride, on April 28.
Komoroski allegedly drove into a golf cart carrying Miller, 34, and Hutchinson, 36. The couple was being driven from their wedding. While the crash seriously injured Hutchinson, Miller died on the spot. Hutchinson’s brother-in-law Ben Garret and Garret’s 17-year-old son were also on the golf cart. Garret reportedly suffered severe road rash and lacerations to his skin. Komoroski has been charged with three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm or death and one count of reckless homicide.
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'She left that impact'
“She would’ve loved it,” Hutchinson said, according to WCSC. “This is Sam. I mean, she’s a beach girl, through and through. We do walk here almost every morning, and this is her send-off for sure. She’s up there smiling, for sure.”
Friends, family, and members of the Folly Beach community honored Miller by paddling out into the water and throwing flowers into the ocean with “Sam” written on the stems. Hutchinson, who sustained a brain injury and many broken bones, sat on the shoreline. “I’m feeling pretty good,” he said, adding, “My body’s getting back to where I can manage, I guess. It’s just as good as I can feel with the situation, but obviously, today and the outpouring of people was just amazing. I know Sam would love it.”
Hutchinson said many people of Folly Beach had donated food during his recovery and prayed for him. “It’s a little overwhelming; but it’s, I mean, they’re sincere, genuine, good-hearted people that are just reaching out that felt a reason to, or somehow they were touched by Sam,” he said. “It just means the world. She left that impact.”
Tara Novit, who helped organized the event, surfs on Folly Beach. Novit said the Folly Beach community treats everyone like a family. “That’s one thing about this community is that we all come together when tragedy hits,” Novit said, adding, “It really is a tragedy for Folly Beach, and we’re all grieving with the family.”
'Beyond sad and tragic'
Social media users continued to offer their prayers, with one user commenting on Facebook, "So sad! I just can’t imagine what this poor man is going through!" "Beyond sad and tragic. Continued prayers for peace and comfort." "So sad praying for healing an strength the husband and all family and friends," said one user.
"I feel so bad for him and the family's makes me cry everytime," one user said, while another wrote, "This is so sad.I know that the Lord will comfort them." "My heart goes out to this man. It’s unimaginable," one user said, while another wrote, "So very sad, My thoughts and prayers for everyone."
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