Groom Accepts $160K Settlement in Wedding Night DUI Crash That Killed His Bride

Aric Hutchinson accepted a final $160,000 wrongful-death settlement in December 2025 - nearly three years after drunk driver Jamie Lee Komoroski struck his and his bride Samantha Miller’s golf cart on their wedding night in Folly Beach, South Carolina. Samantha, 34, died at the scene on April 28, 2023. Komoroski had a blood alcohol level of 0.261% - more than three times the legal limit - and was traveling at 65 mph when she hit the cart. In December 2024, she pleaded guilty to DUI causing death and reckless homicide and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The Crash

Samantha and Aric had just exchanged vows and were riding a golf cart from their reception to their hotel when Komoroski, driving a rental car, slammed into them, throwing the cart more than 100 yards. Samantha died from blunt force injuries. Aric suffered two broken legs, multiple facial fractures, and brain injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Two other family members were also seriously hurt. Data from Komoroski’s rental car showed she had barely applied the brakes before impact.

The Legal Settlements

Aric filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Komoroski and against several Folly Beach bars where she had allegedly been drinking before the crash. The bars settled in 2024 for more than $800,000. The December 2025 settlement of $160,000 was paid by Komoroski’s vehicle insurer. After attorney fees and costs, Hutchinson received approximately $104,586 - reduced because other crash survivors also held claims against the same insurance policy.

At Komoroski’s plea hearing, Aric spoke about the pain of vowing to protect his wife only to lose her hours later. The settlements from the bars and insurer marked the formal end of his civil legal proceedings, though the loss itself remained immeasurable.

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