The mother of a bride who was tragically killed moments after leaving her wedding reception has revealed the final words her daughter said to her.
As previously reported, a bride and groom celebrating their marriage in South Carolina saw what was supposed to be the happiest day of their life turn into a tragedy.
Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson, 34, and her new husband Aric Hutchinson got married on April 28 and were photographed looking overjoyed during the day.
The couple was then seen beaming from ear to ear as they got into a golf cart at 10:00 PM to take them from their wedding venue shortly before disaster struck.
An alleged drunk driver crashed into the couple, reportedly going at 104 km/h (64 mph), causing the golf cart to travel 100 yards and roll several times.
Sam was tragically declared dead at the scene and Aric was rushed to the hospital where he continues his recovery while suffering from multiple broken bones and brain trauma.
The bride's family has now spoken out about the tragedy, including her gutwrenching final words.
Speaking to WCIV, Sam's sister Mandi Jenkins said: "I've never seen the light in her eyes shine as bright as that day, from the moment that day started, getting ready for her wedding at the house."
Her mother, Lisa Miller, heartbreakingly added: "They announced a surprise dance for the most important person in Sam's life, which was me, and we danced to Bruno Mars. Just the way you are. That's our song."
Lisa then described the final interaction she had with her daughter: "On the beginning of the golf cart ride, she said 'I wished this night could go on forever.' The best night of her life."
The newly wedded couple were two blocks away from their home when the accident occurred, and Mandi further revealed how word got to them about the incident.
"We were in our pajamas sitting on the balcony beside Bert's at our place where we're staying and started to hear the sirens. And the sirens kept going," she said.
After texting Sam with no response, Mandi said: "We just went down to the scene. And we just got out of the truck and just running. Screaming [her name]."
The alleged drunk driver, 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski, was arrested and charged with DUI involving death and reckless homicide and is now on suicide watch in jail.
Lisa said: "I don't know what the distraction was, but she literally ran into my daughter going 65 miles an hour. Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart and so she basically just whammed my child."
Mandi added: "I never thought it would happen to us and to my beautiful sister, your beautiful daughter, and all the 150 people that were there."
The family has now turned their attention to raising awareness about drunk driving, stating: "That person made a careless mistake. And it's not a mistake. It is a life-changing event."
Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by this tragedy.
