A U.S. woman has pleaded guilty to charges of driving under the influence in connection with a tragic accident that killed a newlywed bride on her wedding night.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the fatal crash in South Carolina last year, which claimed the life of Samantha Miller, who was still wearing her wedding dress at the time.
The victim’s husband, Aric Hutchinson, and two of his family members, who were also in the golf cart, sustained injuries.
Tearfully addressing the court, Hutchinson recalled that his wife had expressed a wish for their special night “to never end,” according to the Associated Press.
The accident occurred in Folly Beach in April 2023, as the newlyweds were being transported back to their accommodation just hours after their ceremony.
Prosecutors revealed that Komoroski had consumed alcohol at several bars before driving at 65 mph (104 km/h) in a 25 mph zone. Her vehicle collided with the golf cart driven by Hutchinson’s brother-in-law.
A blood test showed her blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit, though she had initially refused to provide a breath sample, as noted in a police report.
During her appearance at the Charleston County Courthouse, Komoroski admitted to charges, including felony DUI resulting in death. She received multiple concurrent sentences.
In her statement before sentencing, she expressed deep remorse and accepted full responsibility for her actions.
Mr Hutchinson, who sustained a brain injury and broken bones in the crash, also spoke. Although he has said he has no memory of the incident itself, he was able to recount his final conversation with his wife.
“On the golf cart, she told me she didn’t want the night to end and I kissed her on the forehead and then the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” he said.
After the sentencing, he said he felt “the punishment fit the crime”, according to CBS News affiliate WCSC.
“I do think she’s sorry,” Mr Hutchinson said. “However, that doesn’t change the fact that Sam’s not here, my wife’s not here, the family we planned, all of our injuries. So that’ll take some time for sure.”