Groom whose wife was killed by a drunk driver on his wedding day receives $1.3 million in compensation

A groom whose wife tragically died on their wedding day has reached a settlement.

What should have been the happiest day of Samantha and Aric Hutchinson’s lives last year ended in tragedy when the newlyweds were hit by a drunk driver in a golf cart.

Aric is in serious condition, while Samantha unfortunately died.

Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was driving the car that hit the couple, has since been charged with Samantha’s death.

Investigators said Komoroski had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit the night of the accident.

The 26-year-old was recently released on bail; her trial date has not yet been set.

Now, over a year after Samantha’s death, her husband and family have reached a settlement after filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Judge Robert Young ruled yesterday (June 18) that Aric, Samantha’s estate and the other two accident victims will receive $1.3 million in compensation.

After deducting legal fees and court costs, the total amount was over $863,000, reports WDBJ7.

Among those who will have to pay the large sum are a number of bars in South Carolina’s Lowcountry that served Komoroski, as well as Hutchinson’s Progressive Policy and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

South Carolina Court

Judge Young spoke about how difficult trials in wrongful death cases can be: “I am like many others. I am aware of this case because of the extensive media coverage. Very tragic circumstances.”

“Any time there is a wrongful death lawsuit, it is by definition not easy to bear. No amount of money can bring people back.”

According to Aric’s attorney Danny Dalton, the amount was lower than expected because his client was involved in an ongoing legal battle with his late wife’s family over her estate.

After Samantha’s untimely death, Aric assumed control of his wife’s estate, but this decision has since been fiercely contested by his mother-in-law, Lisa Miller.

Jamie Lee Komoroski has been charged in connection with Samantha’s death. (Charleston Sheriff’s Office)

In December 2023, she then filed a motion to remove herself as personal representative.

The grieving mother told the Post and Courier: “Aric and I have agreed several times that Sam wants us to do everything together because we are the two most important people in her life.”

“I never wanted to question the validity of the marriage. I never wanted to dishonor Sam. But I feel that Aric is dishonoring my daughter by going against her will.”

She further accused Aric’s lawyers of excluding her and preventing her from receiving her share of the inheritance.

The inheritance dispute is said to still be ongoing.

Photo credit: WCSC/GoFundMe

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