Bride killed in horror wedding day collision as groom fights for life

A bride was killed instantly as her new husband now fights for his life after the pair were allegedly hit by a drunk driver leaving their reception.

A bride has been killed and the groom left fighting for his life after the newlyweds were allegedly hit by a drunk driver as they left their wedding reception on a golf buggy.

Samantha Hutchinson, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36, from the US state of South Carolina, had been photographed leaving their nuptials at around 10pm on Friday.

A touching photo shows the happy couple beaming from ear to ear as they departed the party clutching hands under a stream of sparklers.

But moments later, the buggy they’d left their reception on – along with two other family members – was rolling with both of them inside.

Samantha and Aric Hutchinson moments before the bride was killed and the groom left critical following a horror collision. Picture: GoFundMe

Annette Hutchinson, the mother of the groom, revealed heartbreaking details of the tragedy on a GoFundMe page set up to help cover unexpected medical costs.

“Aric lost the love of his life when my new daughter-in-law ‘Sam’ was tragically killed by a drunk driver moments after the picture above while leaving her wedding reception on April 28th,” she wrote.

“My son is now in critical condition.

“My son-in-law Benjamin Garrett and grandson Brogan Garrett from Morgan, Utah were escorting the couple from the reception in a golf cart when they were struck from behind by a drunk driver travelling 65 MP/H (105km/h) in a 25 MP/H (40km/h) zone.”

Three people, including the groom (above), were seriously injured after the golf buggy they were travelling in was allegedly hit by a drunk driver. Picture: GoFundMe

Mrs Hutchinson explained the “golf cart was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times”, resulting in Sam dying instantly and leaving Aric in a “serious condition”.

“[He] has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery,” she said.

“Ben and Brogan were also injured, Ben seriously.”

She went on to detail the devastating moment a medical professional handed her Aric’s wedding ring “in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows”.

The driver of the car, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was arrested and charged with DUI involving death and reckless homicide, the New York Post has reported.

Komoroski’s blood results are pending, but an investigation into the crash determined she was driving 65 mph when she struck the golf cart, police reportedly confirmed.

Sam, 34, died instantly. Picture: Facebook

Samantha’s employer, XenTegra, an international IT provider, shared news of her death on LinkedIn, noting she was an “integral member” of its team.

“She carried a light about her, one that shined so brightly upon everyone with whom she interacted. Simply put, Samantha brought an abundance of joy and laughter to the workplace,” the company wrote, noting she was a dedicated and detail-oriented worker who went above and beyond.

“But beyond her professional accomplishments, Samantha was a wonderful person. In the last several months, our team was able to join in her excitement as she shared photos and intricate details about her upcoming wedding,” the company wrote. “We will forever remember Samantha’s smile, her laughter, and her dedication to her work, friends, and family.”

The groom and two of his relatives remain in hospital. Picture: GoFundMe

A second GoFundMe page has since been set up in Sam’s maiden name, describing the young woman as “unbelievably special”.

“Sam Miller was pure love. There isn’t and won’t be another person on this planet that shined the way she did,” the page reads.

“She was loud. Not with her voice but with her heart. She could make anyone, anywhere smile ear to ear, probably with a vulgar joke.

“She made the uncomfortable comfortable and brought peace, confidence, and laughter to everyone around her.

“She was the one person everyone knew would never ever give up on them. She was unbelievably special.”

Jamie Lee Komoroski was arrested and charged with DUI and reckless homicide. Picture: Folly Beach Police

Tributes are pouring in for the ‘unbelievably special’ Sam. Picture: Facebook

Tributes have been pouring in for Sam, with many stating they were in shock after hearing the news.

“Words cannot convey the sadness I hold in my heart for you, your family and Aric’s family,” one wrote.

“There are no words. This is so tragic and heart breaking. I’m praying for everyone involved!” another said.

While one added: “As a groom who just got married 6 days prior on April 22, this hit me pretty hard. I can’t put this into words. Prayers for all involved.”