Groom Whose Wife Was Killed By Drunk Driver On Wedding Day Receives $1.3m Settlement

Aric Hutchinson, whose wife Samantha was tragically killed on their wedding day, has reached a settlement over her wrongful death. Samantha was struck by a drunk driver, Jamie Lee Komoroski, while in a golf cart with Aric. The incident left Aric severely injured and Samantha dead. Komoroski, with a blood alcohol level over three times the legal limit, has been indicted.

Judge Robert Young awarded a $1.3 million settlement to Aric, Samantha’s estate, and two other victims, with $863,000 remaining after legal fees. The payout comes from several South Carolina bars, Progressive insurance, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

Complicating the settlement is a legal battle between Aric and Samantha’s mother, Lisa Miller, over control of Samantha’s estate. Lisa filed a petition to remove Aric as the personal representative, claiming he dishonored Samantha’s wishes. She accused Aric’s legal team of sidelining her and obstructing her share of the inheritance.

Despite the settlement, Judge Young noted the tragic nature of wrongful death cases, stating, “No money can bring back people.” Aric’s lawyer, Danny Dalton, mentioned that the sum was less than expected due to the ongoing dispute with Samantha’s family.

Aric remains determined to honor his late wife, while navigating the legal and emotional challenges following her untimely death.