The mother of a drunk driver who killed a South Carolina bride on her wedding night was involved in an eerily similar crash a decade ago in which 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 Department Director Jeffrey Scheuerer.
Scheuerer was fighting a fire in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci hit him while he was partially pinned down by smoke and a fire truck — despite his hazard lights flashing.
The accident was determined to be a “tragic accident” and no charges were brought against Traci, an elementary school paraprofessional.
Scheuerer was a six-year veteran of the fire department and a 21-year veteran of the Readington Township Volunteer Fire Company.
Traci Komoroski, 62, the mother of 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski, was involved in an accident in 2013 that resulted in the death of Wildland Fire Department Director Jeffrey Scheuerer.
Scheuerer was fighting a fire in Clinton Township, New Jersey, when Traci hit him while he was partially blocked by smoke and a fire truck – despite his emergency lights flashing
Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns ruled his untimely death was partly attributed to a sudden change in wind direction which meant thick smoke from a controlled forest burn site obscured the truck fire brigade and its emergency lights.
Scheuerer had been using a fire hose on Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by a driver only to be hit by Traci’s 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV.
The smoke was so thick that Traci couldn’t have seen the fire truck “until the last second” and as she swerved to avoid the fire truck, she ended up hitting Scheuerer, sources said. responsible at the time.
Scheuerer was using a fire station on Lebanon-Stanton Road when he was narrowly missed by a driver only to be hit by Traci’s 2010 Jeep Liberty SUV. Pictured, a roadside memorial has been erected for the deceased firefighter
The Readington Volunteer Fire Company and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service erected a bronze statue to commemorate the deceased firefighter
No other injuries were reported and no tickets were issued to the drivers involved.
“This was a tragic accident and our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Scheuerer’s family, the Readington Volunteer Fire Company; as well as Mr. Scheuerer’s colleagues from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service,’ the prosecutor’s office said at the time.
Scheuerer’s brother David shared his frustration with the New York Post that Traci did not face any charges as a result of the incident despite being assured by the Clinton Township Police Department that appropriate action would be taken. No charges were ever filed.
“When I went to the Clinton Township Police Department to collect Jeff’s 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 except silence,” he said.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, is pictured in a photo after the fatal accident last month
Komoroski had a blood alcohol level three times 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 more than three times the legal driving limit
Samantha Miller and Aric Hutchinson
In the case of Traci’s daughter, Jamie Lee Komoroski, 25, was arrested on April 28 after overturning a golf cart carrying Samantha Miller and her husband Aric Hutchinson shortly after their wedding reception.
Tragically, Miller, 28, died at the scene while Hutchinson, 34, and two others were seriously injured.
It was later discovered that Jamie was driving with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
Authorities also said she was driving well over double the speed limit when she slammed into the back of a golf cart as she was leaving the party.
She is currently being held in Charleston County, facing multiple charges.
Her attorneys filed a motion last week that she poses no flight risk or danger to the community.
Miller died and Hutchinson was seriously injured when their golf cart (pictured) rolled over several 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 wife
He asked that bail be set at $100,000 with conditions that include attending an inpatient rehabilitation program, remaining supervised by his mother, and not having access to a vehicle or equipment. alcohol.
“The personal characteristics of Jamie Lee Komoroski, coupled with his strong family support and community ties, make a strong case for his release,” the motion reads.
He also shared how I struggled for years with alcohol addiction, depression, and anxiety.
“Jamie, with the support of his family, is committed and ready to engage in intense substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation upon his release,” the motion reads.
Jamie was charged with homicide and three counts of impaired driving causing serious bodily harm in the crash at Folly Beach.
