The family of a South Carolina bride tragically killed by a drunk driver on her wedding night in April 2023 has been awarded a settlement.
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On Tuesday, June 18, a judge awarded Samantha Miller’s family $1.3 million following the fatal incident that claimed the 34-year-old’s life. Her newlywed husband, Aric Hutchinson, along with two others, were also injured in the crash. After deducting legal fees, the recipients, including Hutchinson, Miller’s estate, and the other injured parties, will receive $863,000, according to PEOPLE.
A portion of the settlement is attributed to Enterprise Rental Cars, from which suspect Jamie Lee Komoroski had rented the vehicle. Additionally, several bars in Folly Beach, which served alcohol to Komoroski before the crash, are also part of the settlement. Hutchinson’s attorney, Dany Dalton, disclosed an ongoing dispute between his client and Miller’s family over control of her estate.
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Before the incident, Hutchinson and Miller was returning to their hotel room after their wedding when Komoroski crashed into their golf cart at 65 mph. Her blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.2671 percent, more than three times the legal limit. The 25-year-old was indicted on charges of one count of reckless homicide and three counts of felony DUI in great bodily harm.
Hutchinson sustained injuries, including broken legs and facial bones, and underwent multiple surgeries. In May 2023, he made his first public appearance on Good Morning America, sharing his experience of losing his a few hours after the wedding.
That night went from an all-time high to an all-time low. It’s pretty rough to comprehend. … We had family, friends, from all over the country — everywhere there.