Over £556,000 has been collected to provide assistance to a man who tragically lost his wife on their wedding day due to a collision caused by a drunk driver. £556,300 raised for man who lost his wife on wedding day as he wakes up to plan funeral Aric Hutchinson, along with his newlywed wife Sam and two relatives, were riding in a golf cart when they were struck by a drunk driver who was allegedly exceeding the speed limit by 40 miles per hour.
Tragically, Sam lost her life in the incident, which occurred during their wedding celebration in Folly Beach, South Carolina. Aric, on the other hand, sustained severe injuries and now faces a lengthy journey towards healing. Aric has now awakened and embarked on the heart-wrenching task of organizing his wife's funeral in collaboration with her family.
In a post on the GoFundMe page, which has garnered over $700,000 (£556,300) thus far, Aric's mother, Annette, expressed the following: "On April 28th, what began as the happiest day for Aric and Sam concluded in tragedy. As devastated as we are, along with the Millers, we never anticipated that sharing our story would elicit such an immense outpouring of love, support, and overwhelming generosity from friends, family, colleagues, and strangers."
"We miss Sam more than words can express. From the moment Aric and Sam met, she seamlessly became a part of our family, and she meant everything to my son. She transformed him for the better. Sam had the ability to brighten any room she entered; she possessed an effortless charm. They shared numerous aspirations and dreams for their future, including starting a family and constructing a home."
Annette further added, "As a result of the accident, Aric sustained multiple injuries. This includes two broken legs, one of which required surgical intervention, as well as facial fractures that also necessitated surgical repair. Additionally, he suffered from spinal fractures, brain hemorrhages, and numerous lacerations requiring stitches. While physically recovering at home, he is simultaneously grappling with the profound loss of his beloved wife. Now, he finds himself undertaking the unimaginable task of planning Sam's funeral in conjunction with her family." Expressing gratitude to those who have contributed to the fund, she expressed, "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who have bestowed us with hope through kind words of encouragement and generous donations. We are also immensely grateful to the supportive communities of Folly Beach, James Island, Charleston, South Carolina, and our hometown in Utah, who are assisting us in navigating each day during this difficult time. Additionally, our thoughts are with the first responders, police, and the entire staff at MUSC hospital. The love we have received has forever transformed us."
The individual behind the wheel during the accident has been identified as 25-year-old Jamie Komoroski. She has been charged with one count of reckless vehicular homicide, as well as three counts of felony DUI resulting in death and/or severe bodily harm.
If you have experienced a loss and would like to speak with someone confidentially, please reach out to Cruse Bereavement Care at their national helpline, 0808 808 1677.
