Tragedy Turns to Justice in Folly Beach DUI Case
The idyllic scene of a Folly Beach wedding turned into a nightmare last April when a speeding drunk driver slammed into a golf cart, killing the bride instantly and leaving the groom with grievous injuries. Today, justice was served as Jamie Lee Komoroski, the driver responsible for this devastating crash, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Komoroski, 27 at the time of the crash, was traveling at more than twice the speed limit when she plowed into the golf cart carrying newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36.
"On the golf cart," Hutchinson tearfully recounted in court, "she told me she didn’t want the night to end, and I kissed her on the forehead, then the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital.
"I see more doctors and therapists than I can count because of these injuries, and the mental anguish of the crash," Hutchinson continued.Intensely emotional, he added, "I wish I had died that night. I wish I had seen it coming; I’d have jumped off the golf cart so you would only have run me over."
Miller, still wearing her wedding gown, died at the scene. Hutchinson suffered a traumatic brain injury and numerous broken bones. The force of the impact tossed the golf cart 100 yards.
In the aftermath, Komoroski admitted to drinking at several bars earlier that evening and pleaded guilty to charges including reckless homicide, felony DUI causing death, and two counts of felony DUI causing great bodily injury.
Her blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was 0.26%, more than three times the legal limit.
Komoroski faced the court, expressing remorse for her actions: "I wish I could go back and undo this terrible tragedy. But I cannot. I will live the rest of my life with intense regret for what happened that night. I realize now I was addicted to alcohol and selfishly didn’t care about how my actions affected others. I promise to spend the rest of my life helping addicts and warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. I pray God stands by the side of my victims and their families and loved ones for the rest of their lives. I am devastated, deeply ashamed and sorry".
The court heard emotional testimonies from Miller’s family, who spoke of their grief and the devastating impact of her loss, while some of Komoroski’s family members pleaded for leniency, citing her youth and willingness to take responsibility.
Brad Warner, Miller’s father, directly addressed Komoroski, expressing his disgust and anger: "The rest of my life, I’m going to hate you. And when I arrive in hell and you come there, I will open the door for you. You have ruined so many people’s lives,"
Judge Deadra Jefferson ultimately sentenced Komoroski to 25 years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crime and its lasting impact on the victims and their families.
Hutchinson later settled lawsuits against three bars that served Komoroski, her insurance firm, and the company that rented her the car, receiving $863,000. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.
