Friday, the groom from South Carolina who tragically lost his wife in a DUI accident shortly after their wedding, reminisced about the bittersweet memories of their special day and the devastating news of her passing.
Aric Hutchinson, speaking to ABC’s “Good Morning America” about the collision on April 28th, emotionally described how his life turned upside down, with tears streaming down his face.
ABC correspondent Eva Pilgrim recounted, “Hutchinson recalled waking up feeling disoriented and somewhat confused. I could sense that something was amiss, and I could see the concern on my mother’s face. I remember waking up like that.” “Sam told me that there was an incident involving me, but it didn’t register with me at the time. And I asked, ‘Where is Sam? Where is she?'”
Samantha, 34, and Aric, 36, were riding in a golf cart with their family members from the wedding reception when they allegedly rear-ended a slow-moving vehicle, a Toyota Camry, while going above the speed limit of 40 mph at Beach Folley.
The collision propelled the golf cart soaring 100 yards and tumbling repeatedly.
The bride, who was still in her bridal gown, passed away at the location.
The bridegroom was admitted to the hospital with a brain trauma and numerous fractures in his facial area and body.
Another casualty, Ben Garrett, a family member of the groom, was also severely injured.
Hutchinson stated that he does not recall the exact moment of collision — although he desires to have that memory.
“The final thing I recall [Samantha] expressing was her desire for the night to never conclude,” he recounted while crying.
Jamie Komoroski, a 25-year-old driver of the Toyota, has been charged with three instances of felony DUI leading to death or injury, as well as one count of reckless homicide.
Hutchinson, who has been recovering at home for more than a week, spoke of his joyful memories from the night before the crash changed everything for his wedding.
He expressed, “It’s quite challenging to understand.” — During that evening transitioning from a peak to a nadir, I’m still attempting to grasp the concept.
Hutchinson reminisced about the feeling of being surrounded by friends and family who had traveled from all over the country to celebrate Samantha’s and his wedding.
“She was extremely joyful,” he stated regarding his deceased spouse.
When asked if he had a message for the driver, Hutchinson expressed, “She appropriated something. She took away an extraordinary individual who should not have been taken.”
On Wednesday, Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and multiple bars, citing the night’s incident when she alleges being excessively served alcohol.
According to the arrest affidavits, Komoroski claimed that she drank a beer and a shot of tequila before assuming control of the vehicle.
Komoroski’s toxicology report indicated that her blood-alcohol concentration was three times higher than the legal threshold for operating a vehicle.
As per police records, Komoroski, hailing from New Jersey, appeared disoriented and confrontational during her apprehension and informed the initial responders that she “committed no wrongdoing.”
“Last week, high-powered attorneys cautioned the public not to rush to judgment and wait for all the facts to come to light.”
Meanwhile, Hutchinson is left to arrange his wife’s funeral while still residing in the apartment they formerly shared.
“This house has Sam’s personality all over it, so it’s great to be here and cherish fond memories,” he expressed.