More than $700,000 has been raised for a groom whose new bride was tragically killed on their wedding day.
As previously reported, 34-year-old Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson tied the knot with the love of her life Aric Hutchinson on April 28 this ear, in a beautiful wedding ceremony surrounded by friends and family at Folly Beach in South Carolina.
Just before leaving their wedding reception at 10:00 PM, the loving newlyweds were photographed beaming from ear to ear as they made their way to a golf cart to take them from the venue.
However, their happiness short-lived, as their golf cart was sadly struck by an alleged drunk driver - who has since been named as 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski.
Sam was devastatingly pronounced dead at the scene, with Aric being rushed to a hospital where he was discovered to be suffering from multiple broken bones and brain trauma. Following this, a GoFundMe page was set up in an effort to provide financial relief in the wake of Aric's skyrocketing medical costs, as well as to help fund his late wife's funeral.
Despite being created less than two weeks ago by Aric's mother Annette Hutchinson, close to 20,000 people have sent their condolences and sent in donations, which has reached a whopping $704,000.
In the description of the GoFundMe, Annette wrote: "My son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett from Morgan, Utah were escorting the couple from the reception in a golf cart when they were struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling 65 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times."
She added: "Sam died from her injuries. Aric is in serious condition and has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery. Ben and Brogan were also injured, Ben seriously [...] I was handed Aric's wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows. Aric has lost the love of his life."
On Monday this week (May 8), Annette provided an update on the situation, detailing the extent of Aric's injuries, writing: "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 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."
Following the incident, the alleged drunk driver was arrested and charged with DUI involving death and reckless homicide, per CNN.
She is reportedly on "suicide watch" at Charleston County jail after she allegedly told an officer that she was considering taking her own life.
When she was questioned at the scene, she refused to provide a breath test and claimed to have only had one beer and one shot of tequila, according to police reports.
