A South Carolina woman, Jamie Lee Komoroski, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a drunk driving incident that claimed the life of newlywed bride Samantha Miller and severely injured three of Miller’s family members.
Komoroski, 27, admitted her culpability during her court appearance on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including reckless homicide, felony DUI causing death, and two counts of felony DUI causing bodily injury.
The fatal crash occurred on April 28, 2023, shortly after Miller’s wedding ceremony at a South Carolina beach. Miller, 34, and her new husband, Aric Hutchinson, were leaving their reception in a golf cart when Komoroski, driving a rented Toyota Camry, rammed into them at high speed. Tragically, Miller died at the scene, while Hutchinson, his brother-in-law, and his nephew sustained severe injuries.
In the Charleston County courtroom, Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson delivered Komoroski’s sentence: 25 years for felony DUI causing death, along with additional concurrent sentences of 10 years for reckless homicide and 15 years for each count of felony DUI causing bodily injury.
Speaking before her sentencing, Komoroski acknowledged the gravity of her actions and apologized directly to Miller’s grieving family. “I chose to drink and drive, and that choice took an innocent life,” Komoroski said.
“Unfortunately, it took this incredible tragedy and terrible incident to wake me up to the extent of my addiction. I take full responsibility for my actions. Hopefully, one day you will be able to forgive me, but I know forgiveness must be earned.” She also admitted to struggling with alcohol addiction at the time of the crash.
Data retrieved from Komoroski’s rental car showed she was driving at 65 mph and hit the brakes only moments before colliding with the golf cart. Further evidence indicated her blood alcohol content was 0.261, over three times the legal limit. Komoroski had also refused both a field sobriety and breathalyzer test, but a subsequent blood draw confirmed her extreme intoxication.
Through tears, Aric Hutchinson recounted the devastating moments leading up to the collision. “I think about that night every single day,” he said. “I remember Sam telling me she didn’t want the night to end. I kissed her on the forehead, and the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital.” Hutchinson expressed profound grief, adding, “I wish more than anything it had been me instead of Sam. I wish I had died that night, so she didn’t have to go alone.”
In May 2023, Hutchinson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Komoroski and the local businesses that served her alcohol that evening. According to court documents, Komoroski had been “bar-hopping” on the day of the incident. Despite her visibly intoxicated state, the establishments continued serving her alcohol. Settlements from three bars, Komoroski’s car insurance provider, and the car rental company amounted to more than $863,000, awarded to Hutchinson.
