The heartbroken husband of a woman tragically killed by a drunk driver after leaving her wedding reception has revealed what her final words were.
On April 28, 2023, Samantha Miller, 34, lost her life just hours after marrying Aric Hutchinson when the golf cart they were leaving their reception on was hit by a car driven by Jamie Lee Komoroski.
Hutchinson was also hospitalized after the devastating incident, having suffered several injuries, including a broken leg, but survived.
The couple on their wedding night before the tragic incident. Credit: GoFundMe
Samantha's Final Words
The grieving groom recalled what his bride's final words were at Komoroski's court hearing late last year. "She said she didn't want the night to end. I kissed her on the head, the next thing I knew I woke up in hospital," he shared, cited by The Mirror.
Hutchinson also spoke about the devastating moment he regained consciousness in the hospital and realized his wife was dead. "I saw my mom wearing the same wedding dress as she had on the night before," he told a court in Charleston. "Asked for Sam and knew instantly she wasn't there."
He also told Komoroski that sometimes he wished he had died alongside his bride. “I wish I had gone that night, so she didn’t have to go alone,” he said. “I don’t have joy, I don’t have passion, I don’t have drive. I am stuck in hell.
"What do you say when your world is just shattered?” he continued. “I think about that night every single day and the last moments that I had with Sam on the golf cart."
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson. Credit: GoFundMe
Komoroski was accused by prosecutors of drinking at several bars and then driving at 65mph (104km/h) in a 25mph zone.
She was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of felony DUI, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and one count of reckless homicide back in December.
After the bride's family members shared their statements in court, the suspect stood before the court and admitted responsibility. "On the night of April 22, 2023, I chose to drink and drive, which resulted in the death of Samantha Miller,” she said. "This is the worst decision I have ever made in my life."
Komoroski also delivered her own emotional statement, telling Miller's family: "Due to my poor decisions, a beautiful wife, sister, and daughter was taken... All I can say is how incredibly remorseful I am.
"I want them to know how sorry I am from the bottom of my heart and that I take full responsibility for my actions. I will always be devastated, deeply ashamed, and terribly sorry for what I have done," she added.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Credit: Charleston County Sheriff's Office
Hutchinson was awarded $863,000 in legal settlements from three bars that served his wife's killer, as well as her insurance firm and the company she leased her car from.
Before the sentencing, Brad Warner, the late woman's father, told Komoroski she could apologize to him, but he wouldn't listen to a word.
"Six months later, that hatred is back on with a vengeance," he told the court. "I have never felt this much weight. This person, you took such a beautiful person away.
"The rest of my life I'm going to hate you, and when I arrive in hell and you come there, I will open the door for you," Brad Warner continued. "You have ruined so many people's lives."