Bride killed 'minutes after leaving her perfect wedding'
The newlyweds were celebrating getting married when the unthinkable happened.
A bride has been killed and her husband critically injured "minutes after leaving [their] perfect wedding" when the golf cart they were travelling in was allegedly hit by a drunk driver.
Samantha Hutchinson, formally Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36, were leaving their beach wedding in South Carolina on Friday (local time) with two others when a car, allegedly speeding, smashed into the golf cart, according to US reports.
Golf cart 'rolled several times' killing bride
Anette Hutchinson, Aric's devastated mother, said the couple were being escorted from the wedding reception by two of the groom's relatives who were also injured in the accident. Local police allege a drunk driver was travelling about 100 km/h in a 40 zone before smashing into the newlyweds.
"The golf cart was thrown over 100 yards (91 metres) and rolled several times," the mother revealed on a GoFundMe page. "Sam died from her injuries. Aric is in a serious condition and has had one of two reconstruction surgeries, numerous broken bones, and a brain injury, he will have a long recovery."
The grieving mother said she was handed her son's wedding ring at the hospital where he remains in acritical condition. "Five hours after Sam placed it on his finger and they read each other their vows Aric has lost the love of his life," she said.
The tragedy has left friends and family heartbroken, including a wedding musician who was involved in the couple's special day. Sharing a tribute on Facebook, the man named Michael said he was "heartbroken" to hear of the accident that "tragically ended the life of the beautiful Bride, Samantha only minutes after leaving her perfect wedding".
"They were such a sweet couple, many smiles, laughs and tears at such a perfect wedding," he wrote.
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The groom's sister Alexis also recalled the tragic ordeal on social media, admitting it was supposed to be "the happiest of days".
"My sweet brother lost the love of his life, and my brand new sister-in-law only hours after they said I do. To say we are all heartbroken is an understatement," she said.
Woman arrested and charged
The responding police officer described seeing "a large crash scene with a golf cart on its side" and several victims laying among the wreckage, according to a local news channel. His priority was treating the new bride who died at the scene before aiding the groom and one other.
A 25-year-old woman who was driving the car was not injured in the crash. She was reportedly taken into custody shortly after the incident. According to police reports, the woman was "unsteady on her feet and had trouble standing" but claimed to have only had one beer and one tequila. She was reportedly charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury/death, and reckless homicide.
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