FOLLY BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA: In honor of Samantha Miller, who lost her life on her wedding night due to a reported drunk driving accident, a paddle-out prayer vigil has been organized on Saturday, May 13. The woman was 34 when she died on April 28 after tying the knot with her husband, Aric Hutchinson, just a few hours before the accident. The newlyweds’ slow-moving golf cart was allegedly hit by Jamie Komoroski as they were going to their rented Airbnb.
Aric Hutchinson suffered severe injuries after the suspected DUI crash but he survived. Now, a Facebook share by a person named Carrie Rosen said, “Next Saturday at the 2nd East Beach access, we will honor the tragic loss of a life gone too soon. Hopefully, this will bring awareness to drunk driving and speeding.”
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‘What a beautiful way to come together’
The post added, “For those of you that don’t surf, please join us on the beach for a prayer vigil. Nothing to bring, just show up. ? Please join us,” attracting a lot of support online with a user commenting, “What a beautiful heartfelt gesture. I know the families are comforted. Praying for all.”
Another user wrote, “Very cool idea. This situation has weighed heavily on my mind this week. Such a terrible life-changing event for so many.” The third one said, “Not in the area to be able to join in person but will say a prayer for Samantha, Aric, and their families. ❤️?” “What a beautiful way to come together as a community in support of this family. Touches my heart deeply,” the fourth user added.
‘She embraced a rare kind of authenticity’
This comes as Miller’s family released an obituary remembering her as a “fearless” person. The eulogy read, “Sam was taken from this world abruptly, just hours after she said ‘I do’ to the love of her life, Aric Hutchinson. The decisions of a reckless drunk driver marked Sam’s special day as her last. The tragedy of Sam’s passing has been grieved by the nation, by those who had the pleasure of knowing her and complete strangers alike. While the outpour of condolences and support have provided comfort and consolation in the wake of Sam’s wrongful death, many who have expressed this kindness are unfamiliar with the person she was.”
It continued, “This is Sam: Samantha was pure light and contagious love. Her smile said it all. She delivered peace, confidence, and laughter everywhere she roamed, and never shied away from a vulgar joke or two. Sam was as bold as she was tender; as compassionate as she was fearless. She was a beautiful force to be reckoned with. It is impossible to fully capture just how unbelievably special she was. She embraced a rare kind of authenticity.”
“If at any point you looked around, you would have been met with a sea of smiling faces. From walking down the aisle and cutting the cake to showing off her rhythm on the dance floor, she was illuminated. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mothers Against Drunk Driving,” the obituary added.