CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – On Tuesday, a final settlement was sanctioned in a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by a groom mourning the tragic loss of his bride in a DUI-related golf cart accident on Folly Beach earlier in 2023.

The insurer of Jamie Komoroski will disburse $160,000 to Aric Hutchinson, whose wife, Samantha Miller (Hutchinson), perished when Komoroski, under the influence, collided with their golf cart. The couple was en route from their wedding celebration on April 28, 2023, when the incident occurred, leaving Hutchinson with severe injuries.

Of the total settlement amount, Hutchinson will retain $104,586.67 after deductions for legal fees and associated expenses. This resolution marks the conclusion of a wrongful death case Hutchinson pursued against multiple Folly Beach establishments and businesses, as well as Komoroski, who was allegedly engaged in “bar hopping” prior to the accident.

According to Charleston County court documents, Hutchinson’s attorney confirmed the settlement on his behalf on Tuesday, effectively releasing Komoroski from any further civil liabilities.

The settlement approval was officially documented following a hearing held on Monday, December 8.

A judge previously approved settlements from The Drop-In, the Crab Shack, and Snapper Jacks alongside settlements with Progressive Auto Insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car during a motion hearing on June 18, 2024, according to attorneys representing Hutchinson.

The previous settlements totaled more than $863,300, which were awarded to Hutchinson.

Komoroski was sentenced in connection with the crash on Dec. 2, 2024, to 25 years for the charge of felony DUI resulting in death, which is the maximum sentence for the charge.