$1.3M Settlement for Man Whose Bride Was Killed in Wedding Day DUI Crash

Court records show that a partial settlement of little more than $1.3 million was granted to the husband of a bride who tragically lost her life on their wedding night in a drunk driving accident in South Carolina.

Aric Hutchinson and his new bride, Samantha Miller, were struck by a vehicle that an allegedly intoxicated person was driving as they were leaving their reception at Folly Beach, South Carolina, on April 28, 2023. 

Tragically, Miller lost his life, and Hutchinson suffered several injuries.

As per the wrongful death settlement that was filed on June 19 in the Charleston County Court, Hutchinson was granted around $1.3 million from various businesses, including bars and a car rental.

Enterprise leased the car to the woman, and the other companies reportedly served her liquor.

Hutchinson has also sued Jamie Lee Komoroski for wrongful death. Komoroski is accused of ramming into a golf cart that was transporting Hutchinson and his wife as they were leaving the wedding celebration. Komoroski has entered a not-guilty plea to seven charges, including one count of negligent homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in grave bodily damage.

Last year, the Folly Beach Police Department said that Komoroski was discovered to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.261%. Drivers in South Carolina are not allowed to be on the road with a BAC of 0.08% or over.

Amounting around $1.3 million in total, the settlements will be reduced upon payment of attorney and legal expenses, as stated in court records.

The following amounts have been ordered to be paid by the following firms, according to court documents:

$640,000 for The Crab Shack!

The Folly Deli and the Drop-In Bar & Deli were ordered to pay $320,000 each

Snapper Jack’s and Beach Front Bars—$320,000

Progressive Northern Insurance Company— $75,000

Enterprise Vehicle rental service – $24,000

No findings or admissions of guilt were included in the ruling sanctioning the partial settlement.