By LAUREN SILVER
FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (Court TV) – Weeks after a bride was killed on her wedding night by an alleged drunk driver, her groom, who survived the crash, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit targeting both the driver and the restaurants that served her alcohol.
A wedding photo shows Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller hours before the deadly crash. (Lawsuit)
Jamie Lee Komoroski was charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of driving under the influence causing death for the April 28 incident. Komoroski was allegedly driving 65 miles per hour when she crashed into the bridal party’s golf cart. Bride Samantha Miller, 34, was killed in the crash. Three others who were in the golf cart, including groom Aric Hutchinson, were injured.
“Photos from the wedding depict the newlyweds exactly as they were: madly in love, smiling from ear to ear, and filled with all the hope and promise of what would have been a truly beautiful life together.”
Aric Hutchinson and the other survivors of the crash have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski as well as a number of restaurants and bars. The lawsuit accuses Komoroski of setting off “on a booze-filled day of bar hopping” that culminated with her Blood Alcohol Content being 0.261 when it was tested after the crash.
The lawsuit alleges that Komoroski began her day at El Gallo Bar & Grill before making stops at The Drop In, The Crab Shack and Snapper Jacks. “Despite being noticeably and visibly intoxicated at each of these establishments, Jamie Komoroski continued to be served, provided, and/or allowed to consume additional and excessive amounts of alcohol at each of them.” According to the lawsuit, Komorosi drank beer and shots of liquor.
This photo provided by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, in South Carolina, shows Jamie Lee Komoroski, on April 29, 2023. (Charleston County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
When Komoroski left the last bar, lawyers said that “in the stupor of a drunken haze” she drove in the opposite direction of her home. Police said she was driving approximately 65 mph when she crashed into the back of the golf cart carrying the newlyweds and others.
The lawsuit names, in addition to Komoroski and the businesses which served her alcohol, John or Jane Does 1-20, who represent the individuals or entities that were managing, operating, or had security responsibilities at the named businesses.
The lawsuit requests actual and punitive damages “in an amount to be determined by the jury at trial.”
In a statement after her arrest, Komoroski’s attorney told CNN, “We cannot fathom what the families are going through and offer our deepest sympathies. We simply ask that there not be a rush to judgment. Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy and that is where all facts will come to light.”
