Groom files wrongful death suit in wedding night DUI crash
The South Carolina man who lost his wife just hours after they were married in a devastating car accident has filed a wrongful death suit against the alleged drunk driver and the bars he says overserved her before the horrific smash-up.
Aric Hutchinson, 36, suffered a brain injury and broken bones on April 28 when a speeding Toyota Camry slammed into the golf cart carrying him and his new wife, Samantha, from their wedding reception.
Samantha, 34, died at the scene. Records later showed that Jamie Komoroski, the 25-year-old driver of the Toyota, was over three times the legal blood-alcohol limit at the time of the crash.
The wrongful death suit filed on Hutchinson’s behalf on Wednesday cites Komoroski and several Low Country bars and restaurants where the plaintiffs allege she consumed “copious amounts” of alcohol before the crash, WYFF reported.
The documents obtained by the outlet allege that Komoroski, a former taco eatery waitress, began her “booze-filled day of bar hopping” at El Gallo Bar & Grill near Daniel Island.
Everything you need to know about Sam Hutchinson’s tragic death
Who was Sam Hutchinson?
The 34-year-old married her husband, Aric, on Friday in a heartwarming wedding that had a tragic ending.
Hutchinson was reportedly killed by Jamie Lee Komoroski, an alleged drunk driver, while the bride and groom exited on a golf cart shortly after their wedding reception Friday night.
Hutchinson was declared dead at the scene while her husband was hospitalized with severe injuries.
The bride’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, recalled it as “the best day” of the newlywed’s life.
The groom’s mom added: “Aric has lost the love of his life.”
What will happen to Jamie Lee Komoroski?
Komoroski, 25, allegedly plowed into the Hutchinsons’ golf cart while driving around 65 miles per hour, according to Folly Beach police.
The driver reportedly smelled of alcohol but refused to take a sobriety test.
She was charged with three felony DUIs resulting in great bodily injury or death and one count of reckless homicide.
When asked how she felt on a scale of 1 to 10 — with 10 being completely sober — Komoroski allegedly rated herself an 8, WCIV reported.
Komoroski was booked under suicide watch after telling an officer she wanted to die, according to WCIV.
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She is then reported to have driven to the Folly Beach area, where she stopped in at least three more establishments that continued to serve her even though she was “noticeably and visibly intoxicated,” the suit claims.
The three other locales named in the lawsuit are Snapper Jacks, The Crab Shack, and The Drop In.
By the end of the night, the suit states, Komoroski was “nearly unconscious” behind the wheel.
When she allegedly rear-ended the newlyweds on Ashley Avenue, Komoroski was hurtling 65 mph in a 25 mph speed zone.
Previous reports said the force of the impact sent the golf cart flying 100 yards before it finally rolled to a stop.
In addition to Samantha’s wrongful death, the filing is also an injury suit on behalf of Aric and the two relatives, including a minor, who were also riding in the golf cart and suffered “terrible and permanent injuries.”
Days before the lawsuit was filed, Aric – still in a wheelchair – appeared on Folly Beach for a swimout in honor of his late bride.
“She would’ve loved it,” he told local news of the emotional event, which took place near the couple’s wedding venue.
“This is Sam. I mean, she’s a beach girl, through and through.”
Komoroski, who is originally from New Jersey, has been charged with three felony DUIs resulting in great bodily injury or harm and one count of reckless homicide.
The Coastal Carolina University graduate was reportedly dazed and belligerent at the scene, and told first responders that she “did nothing wrong” before repeatedly asking for her boyfriend.
Last week, Komoroski’s high-powered attorneys cautioned the public not to “rush to judgment” in the case.
“Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy and that is where all facts will come to light,” they said.
Shortly after her arrest, Komoroski was allegedly placed on suicide watch.
The Post has reached out to Komoroski’s lawyer and the Hutchinson family’s lawyer.
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