Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller were beginning their journey as husband and wife when an unimaginable tragedy struck. What should have been the happiest day of their lives ended in heartbreak and loss.
Just hours after exchanging vows, the couple departed their wedding reception on Folly Beach, South Carolina, in a low-speed vehicle (LSV) adorned with sparklers. Operated by Aric’s relatives, Benjamin and Brogan Garrett, the street-legal cart was heading toward the couple’s accommodation, just two blocks away, when disaster struck.
A rented Toyota driven by 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski collided with the back of the LSV at high speed. Data revealed Komoroski was driving 65 mph in a 25 mph zone and had barely attempted to brake before the crash, which occurred around 10 p.m.
Tragically, Samantha died at the scene from blunt force injuries, while Aric suffered severe injuries, including broken bones and a brain injury. He remains in critical condition. Benjamin Garrett was also hospitalized with serious injuries, while Brogan was treated and later released.
Komoroski, allegedly under the influence at the time of the crash, faces charges of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death. Each DUI charge carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Authorities confirmed the LSV was properly equipped with lights and legal for nighttime driving.
Samantha’s mother, devastated by the loss, shared her grief: “She literally ran into my daughter going 65 miles an hour. Sammie and Aric were on the back of the golf cart, and she just whammed my child.”
Samantha’s sister, Mandi Jenkins, recalled the horrifying moment: “We were sitting on the balcony in our pajamas and heard the sirens. They kept going and going. When my sister didn’t respond to my texts, we drove to the scene, and what we saw was devastating.”
Komoroski refused to provide a breath sample at the police station. A warrant was issued for blood samples, and results are pending.
In the wake of the tragedy, Aric’s mother, Annette Hutchinson, created a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses and funeral costs. She wrote: “Aric has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury. He has lost the love of his life.” The fundraiser has raised nearly $600,000 as of Wednesday, far surpassing its $100,000 goal.
Another campaign, started by Samantha’s sister Mandi, has raised $37,000 of its $10,000 goal to honor Samantha’s memory.
“Samantha was fearless, and that’s exactly how she lived her last day,” Mandi wrote. “She was so excited to start her life with Aric. You could feel the love on that beach.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Samantha’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Please share this story to help spread awareness about the devastating impact of driving under the influence.
Doctor explains why you should never kiss a deceased person
A Moldovan doctor has recently gone viral for a unique yet cautionary video about kissing… And it’s not what you’d expect.
Dr Viktor Ivanovik, who boasts nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, about the health risks of kissing deceased loved ones during farewells.
In the video, Ivanovik warns viewers, saying: “Never kiss the deceased!”
A Moldovan doctor has recently gone viral for a unique yet cautionary video about kissing… And it’s not what you’d expect.
Dr Viktor Ivanovik, who boasts nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, about the health risks of kissing deceased loved ones during farewells.
He explains that approximately nine hours after death, the body begins to decompose, releasing harmful bacteria. Kissing the deceased, according to Ivanovik, could lead to a loss of smell due to exposure to these bacteria.
His video has sparked a wave of reactions online.
Many viewers had not previously considered the potential risks of bacterial exposure. Others, however, shared personal experiences.
One viewer emotionally stated: “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell, he is my father!”
Dr. Ivanovik’s message shows that there’s a delicate balance between cultural traditions and health concerns. Many people engage in such rituals as a final act of respect and closure for their loved ones, often unaware of the potential dangers.
Though, for many, the comfort of saying goodbye to a loved one in a personal way outweighs potential health concerns. This creates a wider conversation around the need for cultural sensitivity when addressing such topics, particularly when long-standing traditions are involved.
Ivanovik’s TikTok video has opened a new discussion on social media, encouraging viewers to be mindful of the potential risks while also acknowledging the deeply personal nature of farewells.
Through his video, Dr. Ivanovik has raised awareness about the importance of understanding health risks associated with common practices, showing that even in moments of grief and loss, health and safety should not be overlooked.
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