The family of the groom who saw his wife killed moments after their wedding have thanked the public for their show of support.
What was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives soon turned to tragedy for Aric Hutchinson and his new wife Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson.
The couple tied the knot on April 28 and at around 10:00 PM they were set to leave the wedding reception on a golf cart and were photographed smiling from ear to ear.
Shortly after boarding the cart, they were hit by an alleged drunk driver, causing the vehicle to roll several times and Sam sadly lost her life at the scene.
The suspected drunk driver has since been named as 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski who was arrested and charged with DUI involving death and reckless homicide, per CNN.
A GoFundMe page was set up in order to pay for Aric's medical bills as well as cover funeral costs for Sam, and it has received over $700,000 in donations.
Set up by Aric's mother, Annette, the page revealed that Aric was being treated in the hospital for "numerous broken bones, and a brain injury".
The mother has since updated the page to thank the public for their support during what has been a very difficult time for the family.
Annette wrote: "On April 28th, what started as the happiest day for Aric and Sam ended with a tragedy. While our hearts are broken along with the Millers [Sam's family], we never could have imagined how sharing our story would result in the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and overwhelming generosity we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and strangers."
She explained that the entire family is missing Sam and spoke about the positive influence she had on Aric. She also shared that the pair were planning on having children.
Annette went on: "From the accident Aric received multiple injuries including two broken legs, one which had to be surgically repaired. Broken bones in his face which also had to be surgically repaired. Broken vertebrae’s in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches.
"He is physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife. Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family."
Annette's son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett were also in the cart at the time of the incident, and while Ben is receiving treatment for severe injuries, Brogan thankfully escaped relatively unscathed.
Annette concluded: "We wish to thank everyone who has given us hope through thoughtful words of encouragement and generous donations [...] Our hearts go out to the first on the scene, first responders, the police, and all the staff at MUSC hospital, we are forever changed by the love we have received."
The alleged drunk driver is reportedly on "suicide watch" at Charleston County jail after she allegedly told an officer that she was considering taking her own life.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy.
