FOLLY BEACH, S.C. – The wrongful death lawsuit filed after the tragic death of Samantha Miller, a bride killed on her wedding night by an alleged DUI driver, has taken a major turn. On Tuesday, the popular Folly Beach restaurant Taco Boy was officially dismissed from the case.
Miller’s husband, Aric Hutchinson, filed the lawsuit following the April 2023 incident, which occurred just hours after the couple’s beach wedding ceremony. The couple and members of their wedding party were riding in a golf cart when they were struck by a car driven by Jamie Komoroski, whose blood alcohol content (BAC) was later found to be more than three times the legal limit.
Miller, still in her wedding dress, died at the scene. Hutchinson and two others were seriously injured.
Allegations Against Taco Boy Proved Unfounded
The lawsuit initially alleged that Komoroski, a recently hired Taco Boy employee, had been “bar hopping” prior to the crash and that a supervisor from the restaurant had organized a gathering where excessive alcohol was knowingly consumed by staff.
However, after Komoroski gave a sworn deposition, Taco Boy was cleared of any wrongdoing, with records and testimony showing she had not entered the restaurant on the night of the fatal crash.
Following the dismissal, Taco Boy issued a public statement, saying the claims were “wholly unsubstantiated,” and clarified that neither the restaurant nor its insurance providers contributed to any settlements.
“We are relieved this matter has been resolved and that the facts have exonerated Taco Boy and our team,” said Karalee Fallert, Co-Founder and CEO. “Our hearts remain with Aric Hutchinson’s family as they continue to heal from this unimaginable tragedy.”
Other Defendants Remain; Some Have Settled
In total, 22 defendants were named in the original lawsuit. With Taco Boy and 21 others now dismissed, attention turns to remaining parties, some of whom have already reached financial settlements with Miller’s estate.
The case continues to highlight legal accountability in situations involving alcohol-related crashes, particularly those stemming from workplace or social settings.
Komoroski, the accused driver, still faces criminal charges, including felony DUI resulting in death and reckless homicide.
