'I don't know what I'll do without her': Samantha Hutchinson’s maid of honor slams DUI driver's 'stupid decision' that killed bride
FOLLY BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: The maid of honor of the bride who was tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver has lashed out against the "stupid decision" that cost her best friend her life.
Samantha Hutchinson died Friday night, April 28, when Jamie Lee Komoroski allegedly rammed her rental car into the golf cart she was riding on with her husband Aric Hutchinson, and two other family members. Ashley Favret, Samantha's maid of honor, said her friend and soulmate of 15 years was killed after a perfect day in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
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'I miss her'
“It was everything she had dreamed for that day to be,” Favret told WBTV. “It makes me angry. A stupid decision because of alcohol cost her life." She noted how Aric had lost the love of his life, who was also her soulmate, and that she doesn't know what she will do without her best friend of over 15 years. "She brought light to pretty much everywhere," Favret reminisced, adding, "I miss her. I don't know what I'm going to do without her."
The happy couple was seen having the time of their lives just minutes before tragedy befell, grinning from ear to ear as they were waved off by their guests. The newlyweds and two other occupants of the buggy were inside the vehicle when it rolled several times over 100 yards and killed the bride instantly. According to Folly Beach police, Komoroski was allegedly driving at 65mph in a 25mph zone and was drunk behind the wheel of a rented Toyota Camry.
A GoFundMe page set up by Aric's mother Annette Hutchinson noted how he was fighting for his life after being hospitalized in critical condition. At this point, it is unclear whether the groom is aware of his wife's death since he has been in a critical condition since the incident. Annette revealed that her son had had one reconstruction surgery and was scheduled to have another after suffering numerous broken bones and a brain injury.
'Aric lost the love of his life'
Samantha and Aric were reportedly being escorted by his brother-in-law Ben Garrett and nephew Brogan when they were allegedly rear-ended by Komoroski. Ben also sustained severe injuries and a family member confirmed that Brogan was discharged from hospital on Sunday, April 30. That said, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $630,000 at the time of publication.
"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," Annette wrote on the page. "Aric has lost the love of his life. 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," she added.
While Sam Miller and Aric Hutchinson's wedding day started perfect, it ended tragically. Sam's family spoke about the tragic weekend, but also the light they'll always remember in Sam's eyes. https://t.co/Cc7pON5YJx
— ABC News 4 (@ABCNews4) May 2, 2023
Photos from Sam's family. #follybeach #wedding #charlestonsc pic.twitter.com/pGZ4JU74CR
'A dream couple'
Samantha died at the scene from blunt force injuries sustained in the crash, as confirmed by the Charleston County Coroner's Office. Friends and loved ones paid tribute to the late bride, calling her "one of the kindest people," and saying of the couple, "Nobody deserves this but especially not Aric and Sam, a dream couple that brought so much life, laughter and spice into life." Another pal said of Samantha, "I'll never forget when she interviewed for her job at the office we asked her where she saw herself in 10 years. Her answer, without missing a beat, was married to the love of her life and a mom. That was all tragically taken by one careless individual on the night her dream was just beginning," as quoted by the Daily Mail.