After a bride was tragically killed and her groom seriously injured after their wedding reception, people have rallied to raise money for those affected.
On Friday (April 28), Samantha "Sam" Hutchinson tied the knot with the love of her life Aric Hutchinson as they celebrated their commitment to each other with friends and family in South Carolina.
Shortly before they left their wedding reception at 10:00 PM, the happy couple were photographed grinning from ear to ear as they were on their way to a golf cart to take them from the venue.
The couple boarded the golf cart and shortly after they were struck by an alleged drunk driver who has since been named as 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski.
When the emergency services arrived at the scene, Sam was sadly pronounced dead and Aric was rushed to the hospital suffering from multiple broken bones and brain trauma.
A GoFundMe page was set up in order to help Aric pay for medical costs, as well as to fund Sam's funeral so she can have a proper send-off.
The page, which was created three days ago, has seen an influx of people wishing their condolences to the loved ones of the couple - and has generated over $600,000 in donations.
The page was created by Annette Hutchinson, Aric's mother, and she gave further heartbreaking details about the tragedy.
She explained that her son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garret were also in the golf cart at the time of the accident, and Ben sustained serious injuries.
According to Annette, the car was traveling at 65 mph (104 km/h) in a 40 km/h zone. "The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times," she explained.
She heartbreakingly added: "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."
Messages have flooded in from all across the world, with one person saying: "My prayers are going up for both families! My heart breaks for you all as I know this loss all to well. I’m so sorry!"
A second said: "My heart breaks for this family, I am keeping you in my prayers everyday," with a third adding: "Sending love and light to those affected. Praying for the families."
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.
Our thoughts continue to be with those affected by this tragedy.
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