Mom of SC drunk driver who killed bride killed a firefighter after driving into him in 2013 blaze

Posted by Almeda Bohannan on Saturday, May 4, 2024

The mother of a drunk driver who killed a South Carolina bride on her wedding night was involved in an eerily similar crash ten years ago where a New Jersey firefighter died.

Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was in a wreck in 2013 that resulted in the death of Forest Fire Service Warden Jeffrey Scheuerer.

Scheuerer was fighting a blaze in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci hit him as he became partially blocked by smoke and a firetruck - despite its emergency lights flashing.

The crash was determined to have been a 'tragic accident,' and no charges were filed against Traci, an elementary school paraprofessional.

Scheuerer was a six-year veteran of the Fire Service and a 21-year veteran of the Readington Township Volunteer Fire Company.

The details of Traci's crash were thrust back into the news after Komoroski was involved in an April wreck that killed Samantha Miller as she left her wedding reception in South Carolina.  

Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was in an crash in 2013 that resulted in the death of Forest Fire Service Warden Jeffrey Scheuerer

Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was in an crash in 2013 that resulted in the death of Forest Fire Service Warden Jeffrey Scheuerer

Scheuerer was fighting a blaze in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci hit him as he became partially blocked by smoke and a firetruck - despite its emergency lights flashing

Scheuerer was fighting a blaze in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci hit him as he became partially blocked by smoke and a firetruck - despite its emergency lights flashing 

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns ruled his untimely death was in part attributed to a sudden change in wind direction that meant thick smoke from a controlled forest burn site obscured the firetruck and its emergency lights. 

Scheuerer had been using a fire hose on Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by one driver only to then be struck by Traci's 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV. 

The smoke was so heavy Traci would not have been able to see the firetruck 'until the last second' and while she swerved to avoid the firetruck, she ended up hitting Scheuerer, officials said at the time. 

Scheuerer had been using a fire hose on Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by one driver only to be then struck by Traci's 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV. Pictured, a roadside memorial has been erected to the fallen firefighter

Scheuerer had been using a fire hose on Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by one driver only to be then struck by Traci's 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV. Pictured, a roadside memorial has been erected to the fallen firefighter

The Readington Volunteer Fire Company and New Jersey Forest Fire Service erected a bronze statue to commemorate the fallen firefighter

The Readington Volunteer Fire Company and New Jersey Forest Fire Service erected a bronze statue to commemorate the fallen firefighter

No other injuries were reported, and no tickets were issued to the drivers involved.

'This was a tragic accident and our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Scheuerer's family, the Readington Volunteer Fire Company; as well as Mr. Scheuerer's colleagues in the New Jersey Forest Fire Service,' the prosecutor's office stated at the time. 

Scheuerer's brother, David, shared his frustration with the New York Post that Traci did not face any charges following the incident despite the Clinton Township Police Department assuring him appropriate actions would be taken. No charges were ever filed.

'When I went to the Clinton Township Police Department to pick up Jeff's personal effects, they told me not to worry about Traci, she would be dealt with and proper actions would come from it…[but there's been] no actions except silence,' he recounted. 

Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is pictured in a mugshot after the fatal crash last month where she killed a bride on her wedding night

Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is pictured in a mugshot after the fatal crash last month where she killed a bride on her wedding night

Komoroski had a blood alcohol level three times higher than the legal driving limit when she crashed a Toyota Camry into newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36

Komoroski had a blood alcohol level three times higher than the legal driving limit when she crashed a Toyota Camry into newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36 

Miller was killed in the wreck and Hutchinson was taken to the hospital with serious injuries

Miller was killed in the wreck and Hutchinson was taken to the hospital with serious injuries 

Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson had just left their wedding in Folly Beach, South Carolina, when they were hit

Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson had just left their wedding in Folly Beach, South Carolina, when they were hit

In Traci's daughter's case, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was arrested on April 28 after rear-ending a golf cart carrying Samantha Miller and her husband Aric Hutchinson shortly after their wedding reception in Folly Beach, South Carolina.

Miller, 28, died at the scene, while Hutchinson, 34, and two others suffered severe injuries. 

It was later discovered that Jamie was driving with a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, police said. 

Authorities have also said she was driving well over twice the speed limit when she slammed into the back of a golf cart as it left the party. 

Jamie Lee Komoroski is currently detained in Charleston County jail without bond and faces multiple charges.

Her attorneys filed a motion last week that says she poses no flight risk or danger to the community as they argued for her release on bail. 

Miller died and Hutchinson was severely injured when their golf cart (pictured) rolled multiple times and was thrown 100 yards by Komoroski's Toyota Camry

Miller died and Hutchinson was severely injured when their golf cart (pictured) rolled multiple times and was thrown 100 yards by Komoroski's Toyota Camry

Hutchinson was left in a wheelchair after suffering two broken legs, multiple facial fractures and a concussion. He is seen here at a beachside memorial for his late bride

Hutchinson was left in a wheelchair after suffering two broken legs, multiple facial fractures and a concussion. He is seen here at a beachside memorial for his late bride

The bond request included conditions for her release, including Jamie Lee Komoroski attending an inpatient rehabilitation program, remaining supervised by her mother and having no access to a vehicle or alcohol.

'The personal characteristics of Jamie Lee Komoroski, coupled with her strong family support and ties to the community, heavily counsel in favor of her release from custody,' the motion said.

It also stated how she has struggled for years with alcohol dependence, depression and anxiety.

'Jamie, with the support of her family, is committed and prepared to engage in intense, inpatient substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation immediately upon her release,' the motion stated.

Hutchinson recently spoke at a beach memorial for Miller and said: 'She would’ve loved it. This is Sam, she’s a beach girl, through and through.

'We do walk here almost every morning, and this is her send off for sure. She’s up there smiling for sure.'

He has also filed a civil lawsuit against Jamie Lee Komoroski and the bars that served her.  

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