Groom Aric Hutchinson made a heartbreaking confession after his bride was tragically killed just minutes after leaving their wedding reception.
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson were celebrating what was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives.
After getting legally married, the newlyweds enjoyed the wedding reception with family and friends.
But after leaving on a golf cart decorated with a ‘Just Married’ sign, tragedy struck.
The news has seen an outpouring of tributes from people all over the world.
One person said: “My heart aches hearing this story. Sending you all much love and strength during this heartbreaking time.”
Another wrote: “Aric – our hearts are broken for you.”
While a third added: “I can’t believe you are gone, Sam.”
A US woman has since pleaded guilty to drink-driving charges which led to the horror incident.
Jamie Lee Komoroski was sentenced to 25 years in prison over the crash in South Carolina.
Komoroski, driving a rented Toyota Camry, was allegedly driving at 65mph in a 25mph zone.
The crash occurred at Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA.
The couple was thrown over 100 yards and rolled several times before coming to a stop.
Miller died instantly due to blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.
Hutchinson, who suffered a brain injury and multiple broken bones, underwent two reconstructive surgeries and was in a critical condition following the accident.
His brother-in-law, Ben Garrett, and nephew, Brogan, were also in the cart hit by Komoroski and were injured.
Komoroski, who was alone in the car, was charged with reckless vehicular homicide and three counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm or death.
A GoFundMe page created by Hutchinson’s mother, Annette, has raised over $743,000 to cover Miller’s burial costs and Hutchinson’s medical expenses.
In an emotional post, Hutchinson’s mother wrote: “I was handed Aric’s wedding ring in a plastic bag at the hospital, five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows.
“Aric has lost the love of his life.”
The couple’s final pictures, showing them laughing and doing a sparkler tunnel as they left their wedding ceremony, have been shared widely on social media since the tragedy.
Hutchinson has since spoken out in a recent interview with Good Morning America.
He opened up about the fateful day, his recovery process, and coping with the immense loss.
Reflecting on the experience, he said: “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. That night, going from an all-time high to an all-time low, it’s pretty rough to try to comprehend.”
He remembered his late wife fondly, sharing: “She was so happy. I mean, planning a wedding, as most people know, is extremely stressful. And she just had a weird, like, calmness that night.”
The Associated Press has confirmed Hutchinson will receive nearly $1 million in a partial settlement related to the crash.
Hutchinson has also made a heartbreaking confession about the night, remembering his late wife’s final utterance.
Recalling Samantha’s last words, Aric said: “I do remember the last thing I remember her saying was she wanted the night to never end.”
