Police: Drunk driver kills bride, injures groom hours after SC wedding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A day that started out as the happiest in their lives quickly became a heart-wrenching tragedy.

Newlyweds Aric and Samantha Hutchinson -- Samantha, a Charlotte native -- were celebrating their wedding in Folly Beach, S.C. on Friday night.

Hours after their wedding reception, police in Charleston say a drunk driver ran into the couple’s golf cart, killing the bride and landing her groom and two others in the hospital with serious injuries.

“It was everything she had dreamed for that day to be,” remembered Samantha’s maid of honor and best friend, Ashley Favret.

Not only is Favret heartbroken now that Aric has lost the love of his life, but she says she doesn’t know how to live without her best friend of 15 years who’s been like a soulmate to her.

“She brought light to pretty much everywhere,” Favret said. “I miss her. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”

Jamie Komoroski, 25, is now facing charges of DUI and reckless homicide.

Charleston officials said the drunk driver, Komoroski, was going 65 miles per hour on a road where the limit is 25 to 30 miles per hour.

“It makes me angry. A stupid decision because of alcohol cost her life,” Favret said.

Aric and two other family members, according to his family, are now recovering in a Charleston hospital. Relatives said Aric is facing multiple surgeries and a long recovery.

Anyone who would like to help out with Samantha’s funeral costs and Aric’s hefty medical expenses can find a link here to their GoFundMe page.

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