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Groom speaks in first interview since bride was killed in wedding night crash

CHARLOTTE — The groom of a Charlotte bride who was killed by an alleged drunk driver shared his story for the first time.

Sam Miller (Hutchinson), 34, was killed after the low-speed vehicle (LSV) she, newlywed Aric Hutchinson and two family members were driving in was rear-ended by alleged drunk driver Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, of James Island.

Hutchinson spoke with “Good Morning America” in an exclusive interview.

“Sam’s just got that glow. She’s the type that walks in a room, and you notice,” Hutchinson said.

He is still trying to wrap his head around what happened.

“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,” Hutchinson said.

Family and friends came from across the country to celebrate the couple’s big night after months of wedding planning.

“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,” said Hutchinson.

He added that the wedding and reception were one of the best nights of his life.

Hutchinson told GMA he doesn’t remember the crash. He does remember the last thing his wife told him.

“I do remember the last thing I remember her saying was she wanted the night to never end,” said Hutchinson, who said the next thing he remembered was waking up in the hospital room, asking “Where’s Sam?”

Hutchinson’s mom then told him there was an incident and that Sam didn’t make it.

When Komoroski’s blood was drawn later in police custody, it showed a blood Alcohol Content of 0.261, according to a toxicology report. Hutchinson has since filed a lawsuit against Komoroski and places that served her that night.

The lawsuit claims these establishments continued to serve Komoroski despite being “noticeably and visibly intoxicated,” according to WCIV.

The lawsuit also alleges Komoroski started at El Gallo Bar and Grill near Daniel Island before traveling to Folly Beach, where she began bar hopping down Center Street. Her stops included Drop In, The Crab Shack, and Snapper Jack.

An attorney for Komoroski shared a statement with GMA after her arrest, saying: “We cannot fathom what the families are going through and offer our deepest sympathies. We simply ask that there not be a rush to judgment. Our court system is founded upon principles of justice and mercy and that is where all facts will come to light.”

Hutchinson said he’s not ready to address Komoroski.

“I can’t right now,” he said. “I’d like to. I mean, she stole an amazing human being that should not have been taken.”

Hutchinson is focusing on his recovery and holding to the memories he made with Sam.


(WATCH BELOW: Judge denies bond for man charged with DUI in SC crash that killed 7-year-old boy)

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