The mother of a drunk driver who killed a South Carolina bride on her wedding night was involved in an eerily similar accident ten years ago that killed a New Jersey firefighter.
Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was involved in an accident in 2013 that killed forest fire warden Jeffrey Scheuerer.
Scheuerer was fighting a fire in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci struck him as he was partially blocked by smoke and a fire engine despite flashing emergency lights.
The crash was determined to be a “tragic accident” and no charges were brought against Traci, an elementary school worker.
Scheuerer was a six-year fire veteran and a 21-year veteran of the Readington Township Volunteer Fire Company.
Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was in an accident in 2013 that killed forest fire warden Jeffrey Scheuerer
Scheuerer was fighting a fire in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci struck him as he was partially blocked by smoke and a fire engine despite flashing emergency lights
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns ruled that his early death was due in part to a sudden change in wind direction that caused thick smoke from a controlled wildfire site to obscure the fire engine and its emergency lights.
Scheuerer had been using a fire hose on the Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by a motorist and then hit by Traci’s 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV.
The smoke was so thick that Traci could not have seen the fire truck “until the last second,” and as she dodged to avoid the fire truck, she eventually hit Scheuerer, officials said at the time.
Scheuerer was using a fire hose on the Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by a motorist and then hit by Traci’s 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV. In the picture, a memorial was erected on the side of the road for the fallen firefighter
The Readington Volunteer Fire Company and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service erected a bronze statue to commemorate the fallen firefighter
No other injuries were reported and no speeding tickets were issued to the drivers involved.
“This was a tragic accident and our deepest condolences go out to Mr Scheuerer’s family, Readington Volunteer Fire Company; and Mr. Scheuerer’s colleagues at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service,” prosecutors said at the time.
Scheuerer’s brother, David, told the New York Post that he was disappointed that no charges were filed against Traci after the incident, despite assurances from the Clinton Township Police Department that appropriate action would be taken. No charges were ever brought.
“When I went to the Clinton Township Police Department to collect Jeff’s personal belongings, they told me not to worry about Traci, she would be taken care of and appropriate action would follow…”[but there’s been] no action but silence,” he said.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is pictured in a mugshot following last month’s fatal accident in which she killed a bride on their wedding night
Komoroski had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit when she crashed a Toyota Camry into newlyweds Samantha Miller, 34, and Aric Hutchinson, 36
Miller was killed in the accident 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
In the case of Traci’s daughter, 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski was arrested on April 28 after leaving a golf cart with 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 sustained serious injuries.
It later emerged that Jamie was driving with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, police said.
Authorities also said she was driving well over twice the speed limit when she crashed into the back of a golf cart while leaving the party.
Jamie Lee Komoroski is currently being held without bail in the Charleston County Jail and faces multiple charges.
Her lawyers filed a motion last week saying she posed no flight risk or a danger to the community as they supported her release on bail.
Miller died and Hutchinson was seriously injured when their golf cart (pictured) rolled over several times and was thrown 100 yards from Komoroski’s Toyota Camry
Hutchinson was in a wheelchair after suffering two broken legs, multiple facial fractures and a concussion. He is seen here at a memorial on the beach for his late bride
The bail request included conditions to her release, including that Jamie Lee Komoroski attended an in-patient rehabilitation program, continued supervision by her mother, and had no access to a vehicle or alcohol.
“Jamie Lee Komoroski’s personal attributes, coupled with her strong family support and community ties, strongly support her release from custody,” the filing reads.
It also revealed that she had struggled with alcohol addiction, depression and anxiety for years.
“Jamie, with the support of her family, is determined and ready to engage in intensive, inpatient substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation immediately upon her release,” the filing reads.
Speaking at a recent beach memorial for Miller, Hutchinson said, “She would have loved it.” This is Sam, she’s a beach girl through and through.
“We go here almost every morning and this is her goodbye for sure.’ She’s up there and she’s definitely smiling.’
He has also filed a civil lawsuit against Jamie Lee Komoroski and the bars they supplied.