A woman was killed and her husband critically injured after they were struck by a drunk driver who struck the couple as they were leaving their wedding reception in a golf cart in South Carolina, according to authorities.
The fatality, Samantha “Sam” Hutchinson, 34, was photographed smiling with her husband just as she was leaving the party around 10 p.m. Friday, WYFF4 reported.
“Aric’s wedding ring was delivered to me in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam put it on his finger and their vows were read,” the husband’s mother, Aric Hutchinson, said via GoFundMe. . “Aric has lost the love of his life.”
According to Aric’s mother, the newlyweds were being escorted in a golf cart by two relatives of the groom, identified as Ben Garrett and Brogan Garrett, who were injured in the accident, the New York Post reported.
“The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled multiple times,” Aric’s mother said on the GoFundMe page.
The vehicle was struck from behind by a drunk driver who was traveling 65 MPH in an area where the limit is up to 25 MPH, the fundraising page noted.
The driver of the vehicle identified as 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski was arrested and charged with DUI involving reckless death and manslaughter.
For now, the suspect’s blood results are pending, while an investigation into the accident pointed out that he was driving 65 MPH at the time he struck the golf cart, according to local police.
Meanwhile, Aric remains in serious condition after suffering a brain injury and breaking several bones, his mother described. He has most of his face bruised and has undergone two reconstructive surgeries.
With information from the New York Post