Woman, who decided to get behind the wheel in nearly unconscious state after having “few” drinks and crashed in a golf cart, killing a new bride and injuring three people including the groom, was released on bail
As per reports, a 26-year-old woman, later identified as Jamie, faces severe charges after a fatal accident that disrupted the newlywed joy of the 34-year-old woman, later identified as Samantha, and her husband, later identified as Aric. Accused of driving under the influence at three times the legal limit, Jamie’s actions resulted in the death of Samantha and injuries to Aric and two other family members. After posting a $150,000 bond, Jamie was released from custody.
The joyous union of Samantha and Aric came to a devastating end on April 28, 2023, when their wedding celebration was cut short. Returning to their hotel in a golf cart, the newlyweds and two family members were struck by Jamie, who was allegedly concluding a day of heavy drinking. Reports suggest Jamie was speeding in a rental car at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone when she collided with the golf cart, leading to Samantha’s death and significant injuries to the others involved. Jamie, charged with reckless homicide and felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury or death, now finds herself under house arrest, prohibited from driving, and monitored for alcohol consumption. The case, set for trial by March, has evoked strong reactions from both the victim’s and the defendant’s families, with each side presenting its case for Jamie’s custody status.
The aftermath of the crash has left both families grappling with loss and accountability. While Jamie’s family argues for her release to seek treatment for alcohol abuse, Samantha’s family contends that she poses a danger to the community. The emotional toll on the victim’s family is palpable, with Samantha’s mother, expressing the profound impact of her daughter’s death on the family. Jamie’s alleged state of intoxication at the time of the accident, with a blood alcohol content of .261, adds a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. As per reports, Jamie refused to take a field sobriety test and give a breath sample at the scene, prompting police to get a warrant to draw two vials of blood at a hospital. Results showed Jamie had a blood alcohol content of .261, more than three times the legal limit for driving in the state. She was taken to jail and placed under suicide watch after she told an officer she wanted to kill herself.
As Aric and the other survivors physically recover from the incident, the emotional scars remain. Aric’s recounting of his last moments with Samantha underscores the depth of their loss. Meanwhile, a wrongful-death lawsuit was filed against Jamie, alleging she was “grossly and dangerously intoxicated” and also named the bars, several of which have settled in the case.
