On December 2, 2024, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 27, stood before the Charleston County Court and pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a devastating DUI crash that forever changed multiple lives. The crash, which occurred on April 28, 2023, in Folly Beach, South Carolina, claimed the life of 34-year-old bride Samantha Miller and left her husband, Aric Hutchinson, with severe injuries. Two other family members were also injured in the crash, turning what should have been a joyful celebration into an unimaginable tragedy. Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison for felony DUI causing death, along with additional concurrent sentences for other related charges.
The Night of the Crash
On what should have been one of the happiest nights of their lives, Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson were celebrating their wedding. As the newlyweds departed their reception on a golf cart adorned with a “Just Married” sign, Jamie Komoroski’s reckless actions cut their celebration tragically short. Driving at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, Komoroski rear-ended the golf cart, propelling it over 100 yards and causing catastrophic damage. Samantha Miller died at the scene, still in her wedding dress. Aric Hutchinson suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple broken bones, and emotional scars that will likely last a lifetime. Two other family members riding in the golf cart were also injured.
Komoroski’s blood alcohol content was later found to be 0.261%, more than three times the legal limit. According to investigators, she showed no signs of braking before the collision, further emphasizing the reckless nature of her actions. Witnesses at the scene described the aftermath as chaotic and horrifying, with emergency responders working tirelessly to tend to the injured.
Courtroom Proceedings
During the Charleston County Court hearing, Komoroski faced charges of felony DUI causing death, two counts of felony DUI causing great bodily injury, and reckless homicide. She pleaded guilty to all charges. Judge Deadra Jefferson sentenced her to 25 years for felony DUI causing death, with concurrent sentences of 15 years each for the counts of felony DUI causing great bodily injury and 10 years for reckless homicide. While these sentences are to be served concurrently, the 25-year sentence underscores the gravity of the crime and its irreversible consequences.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Jefferson acknowledged the profound pain and suffering endured by the victims and their families. She also noted Komoroski’s apparent remorse but emphasized that her actions had forever altered the lives of many.
Victim Impact Statements
The sentencing hearing was marked by deeply emotional victim impact statements from the families of Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson. Aric, who has endured extensive physical and emotional recovery since the crash, recounted his last moments with his wife. “On the golf cart, she told me she didn’t want the night to end, and I kissed her on the forehead,” he said. Fighting back tears, he expressed the unbearable grief of losing his wife just hours after their wedding, stating, “I wish I had died that night.”
Samantha’s father, Brad Warner, shared his ongoing anger and heartbreak. “The rest of my life, I’m going to wake up every day with the pain of losing my daughter,” he said. He described Samantha as a vibrant and loving individual whose life was cut short in a senseless act of recklessness.
Family members of the other injured passengers also spoke about the physical and emotional toll the crash had taken on their lives. Their testimonies painted a picture of profound loss and enduring pain, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of drunk driving.
Komoroski’s Statement
Komoroski addressed the court with an emotional statement, expressing deep remorse for her actions. “I wish I could go back and change everything,” she said. Acknowledging the irreparable harm she caused, she pledged to dedicate her life to raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. “I will carry the weight of this tragedy for the rest of my life,” she added, speaking directly to the victims and their families. While her apology was met with mixed reactions, it highlighted her recognition of the profound consequences of her choices.
Civil Settlements
In addition to the criminal case, civil proceedings related to the crash have also garnered attention. In June 2024, Aric Hutchinson reached settlements exceeding $1.3 million from several parties, including the bars that served alcohol to Komoroski on the night of the crash. These settlements underscore the broader accountability of establishments that over-serve alcohol to patrons, contributing to preventable tragedies.
A Preventable Tragedy
The heartbreaking loss of Samantha Miller and the suffering endured by her family and friends have cast a spotlight on the dangers of impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 32 people die every day in the United States due to drunk-driving crashes—a statistic that underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of DUI laws and increased public awareness.
Advocacy groups have seized upon this case as an example of why more needs to be done to prevent drunk driving. Efforts to increase the use of ignition interlock devices, which prevent intoxicated individuals from operating vehicles, have gained momentum in the wake of similar tragedies. Additionally, campaigns promoting rideshare services and designated drivers aim to reduce the prevalence of drunk driving incidents.
Folly Beach, SC Community Response
The Folly Beach community and beyond have rallied around the victims and their families, organizing fundraisers, vigils, and awareness campaigns. The tragedy has brought neighbors together, united in their grief and determination to honor Samantha Miller’s memory. Local organizations have also partnered with national advocacy groups to promote education and preventative measures to combat impaired driving.
Aric Hutchinson, despite his grief, has become a vocal advocate for these initiatives, hoping to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak. “If sharing our story can save even one life, then Samantha’s legacy will live on,” he said in a public statement.
A Closed Chapter, but not yet the end
The story of Jamie Komoroski’s DUI crash serves as a devastating reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. The loss of Samantha Miller, a newlywed bride with a bright future, and the profound impact on her husband, family, and friends, underscore the far-reaching effects of one person’s reckless choices. While the criminal proceedings have brought some measure of accountability, the emotional wounds left by this tragedy will take a lifetime to heal.
As Komoroski begins her prison sentence, the hope is that her story will serve as a cautionary tale and inspire greater efforts to prevent drunk driving. The lives lost and altered on that fateful night in April 2023 should not be in vain but instead fuel a collective commitment to fostering safer communities and ensuring no one else has to endure such senseless loss. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Ted Law Firm at (888) 333-5555.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
