A South Carolina woman, Jamie Komoroski, 27, pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to a fatal DUI crash that killed a bride on her wedding night. The incident occurred in April 2023, when Komoroski, who was more than three times the legal limit, crashed her rental car into a golf cart carrying newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36, while they were leaving their reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina.
The crash resulted in Miller’s death, while Hutchinson suffered multiple injuries. Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to one count of felony DUI, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and one count of reckless homicide.
Both Hutchinson and Miller’s family members spoke before the court on Monday, describing the pain and void left by the crash. Hutchinson held back tears as he asked Komoroski, “Do you know what it’s like to vow to protect your wife, do nothing for her and then lose her hours later?”
Komoroski, in a statement, expressed remorse, saying she was “truly and deeply sorry” and took full responsibility for her actions. She also acknowledged the pain and loss she had caused the families involved.
In June, a South Carolina judge approved a $1.3 million partial settlement to the victims’ families stemming from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Hutchinson against Komoroski. The lawsuit alleged that the bars and establishments Komoroski visited on the day of the crash had an obligation to exercise due care in serving her, leading to the fatality. The settlement will be distributed among the parties involved, including the rental car company.