Groom Accepts $160K Settlement After Bride's Tragic DUI Crash
You might think a wedding night is all about joy and new beginnings. But for Aric Hutchinson, that night in April 2023 in Folly Beach, South Carolina, turned into a nightmare he could never have imagined. Just hours after saying "I do" to Samantha Miller, their celebration was shattered by a devastating crash that left Samantha dead and Aric severely injured. Now, after nearly three years of legal battles and painful recovery, Aric has agreed to a final wrongful-death settlement of $160,000 against the drunk driver and the bars that served her.
A Night That Changed Everything
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson had just exchanged vows under a wooden arch, surrounded by family and friends. The newlyweds were leaving their wedding reception on a golf cart, a sweet and simple way to get to their hotel. But tragedy struck when Jamie Lee Komoroski, intoxicated and speeding at 65 mph, slammed into their golf cart, throwing it more than 100 yards. Samantha, just 34 years old and dressed in her wedding gown, died at the scene from blunt force injuries. Aric and two other family members were seriously hurt, with Aric suffering two broken legs, multiple facial fractures, and brain injuries that required multiple surgeries.
The driver, Jamie Lee Komoroski, was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.261 percent — more than three times the legal limit. Data from her rental car showed she was driving more than twice the speed limit and barely applied the brakes before the collision. In December 2024, Komoroski pleaded guilty to felony charges including DUI causing death and reckless homicide and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
The Legal Battle and Settlement
Aric Hutchinson filed a wrongful-death lawsuit not only against Komoroski but also against several Folly Beach bars where she reportedly "bar hopped" before the crash, as reported by PEOPLE. These establishments were accused of serving Komoroski despite her intoxicated state. The bars settled their claims for more than $800,000 in 2024, while Komoroski's vehicle insurer agreed to pay $160,000 to Hutchinson as part of the final settlement approved in December 2025.
Of the $160,000 settlement, Hutchinson will receive approximately $104,586 after attorney fees and other costs are deducted. This amount reflects the complex nature of the claims, as other survivors from the crash also made injury claims against the same insurance policy.
A Collision of Love, Loss, and Legal Closure
For Aric Hutchinson, the settlement marks a bittersweet milestone. The money cannot undo the loss of Samantha or the physical and emotional scars he carries. In a tearful moment during the driver's plea hearing, Aric spoke about the pain of vowing to protect his wife only to lose her hours later. The crash turned what should have been one of the happiest nights of his life into a lifelong tragedy.
Yet, the legal closure offers some measure of justice. Komoroski's 25-year prison sentence reflects the severity of her actions, and the settlements from the bars and insurer acknowledge the broader responsibility in this heartbreaking event. For readers, this story is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the ripple effects it has on families and communities.
What You Should Know
This tragic collision of love, loss, and legal reckoning underscores the importance of responsible behavior and the heavy toll of reckless decisions. For Aric Hutchinson, the road ahead remains difficult, but the settlement brings a measure of closure to a night that changed everything.
If you or someone you know is affected by drunk driving, remember that help and resources are available. Stories like this remind us all to stay vigilant and protect those we love.
References: Groom Accepts $160K Settlement in DUI Crash That Killed Bride on Wedding Night | Final settlement wrongful death lawsuit Aric Hutchison Dec 2025 | Folly Beach bride wrongful death lawsuit ends in settlement
