More than. $700,000 has been raised for the family
A man whose wife was killed by a drunk driver just moments after their wedding reception has woken up from his injuries in hospital and started planning her funeral.
Aric Hutchinson and Samantha Miller got married on April 28 and had just had their first dance when they climbed into a golf cart in Folly Beach, South Carolina, to leave their reception.
Just moments later, tragedy struck.
The golf cart, fitted with a ‘just married’ sign, was allegedly hit by a drunk driver doing 65mph in a 25mph zone. The golf cart was reportedly thrown 100 yards and flipped several times.
Tragically, Samantha died from her injuries, whilst Aric was left in a serious condition with “multiple injuries including two broken legs, one which had to be surgically repaired; broken bones in his face which also had to be surgically repaired; broken vertebrae in his back; brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches”.
Following the horrific events, Aric’s mother Annette set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Samantha’s funeral alongside medical expenses for the family.
In an update posted on the page on Monday she revealed that Aric had been allowed home and is “doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family.”
She wrote: “On April 28th, what started as the happiest day for Aric and Sam ended with a tragedy. While our hearts are broken along with the Millers, we never could have imagined how sharing our story would result in the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and overwhelming generosity we have received from friends, family, co-workers, and strangers.
“As so many of you have inquired I wanted to provide an update on our family…
“We are missing Sam more than anything, she instantly fit into our family from the first day Aric and Sam met, she was everything to my son and changed him for the better. She could light up a room with her presence and had an ease about her. They shared many hopes and dreams for their future including children and building a house.
“From the accident Aric received multiple injuries including two broken legs, one which had to be surgically repaired. Broken bones in his face which also had to be surgically repaired. Broken vertebrae in his back, brain bleeds, and numerous cuts with stitches. He is physically recovering at home while trying to come to terms with the loss of his beautiful wife. Now he is doing the unimaginable of planning Sam’s funeral along with her family.”
Annette’s son-in-law Benjamin and grandson Brogan had both been in the golf cart as well. Whilst Brogan “only suffered minor injuries,” Ben underwent surgery to for “severe road rash and open wounds” and is “recovering in the burn unit.”
Annette added that all three of her family members are “being incredibly strong despite the pain they are suffering.”
The drunk driver of the vehicle which crashed into the golf buggy has been identified as 25-year-old Jamie Komoroski.
He has been charged with one count of reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in death and/ or great bodily injury.
The GoFundMe has so far raised $702,000 (£556,000). If you’d like to donate, you can find the page here.
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