A South Carolina woman, identified as 32-year-old Jennifer Lee, has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence following a tragic crash that led to the death of newlywed bride, 28-year-old Emily Johnson, on Folly Beach. The incident occurred on June 29, 2024, just hours after Johnson’s wedding to her husband, 30-year-old Mark Johnson. During a hearing on December 2, 2024, Lee admitted to having a blood alcohol content of 0.13%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%. According to prosecutors, at the time of the accident, Lee’s vehicle struck Johnson’s car, which had only recently exited the wedding reception. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband sustained serious injuries but has since recovered.
Circuit Judge Thomas A. Wright stated, “This is a heartbreaking case that exemplifies the tragic consequences of impaired driving. Families should not have to endure such loss, particularly on what should have been a joyful day.”
Emily’s mother, Martha Johnson, expressed her anguish in a statement: “No family should have to go through this kind of pain. We lost our beautiful daughter, who had her whole life ahead of her, and it was a day that was meant to celebrate love and happiness.”
As part of the plea agreement, Jennifer Lee faces a sentence that includes significant prison time, reflecting the gravity of her actions. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2025, and she remains out on a $100,000 bond until that time. This incident has prompted discussions about the importance of designated drivers and the dangers of drinking and driving. South Carolina officials are urging the community to take these issues seriously, especially around holiday celebrations when alcohol consumption often increases.
