Updated: August 11, 2026
Jamie Lee Komoroski became a household name after the tragic Folly Beach crash in April 2023 that claimed the life of newlywed Samantha Miller. While much of the public focus stayed on the incident and the subsequent legal proceedings, many people still search for details about the family behind the headlines. Understanding Jamie’s parents offers a fuller picture of her upbringing, the support she received, and the complex emotions that surrounded the case.
Here is a clear, factual look at Traci and Charles Komoroski based on court records, public statements, and reporting available through 2026.
Table of Contents
Meet Traci and Charles Komoroski
Jamie’s mother is Traci Komoroski, a longtime elementary school paraprofessional who works with special-needs students in Ocean County, New Jersey. Her father is Charles Komoroski, a project manager for a family-owned glass company based in Union County, New Jersey.
The couple divorced years ago but have maintained an amicable relationship and remained closely involved in their children’s lives. Court filings and recorded jailhouse calls from 2023 show both parents stayed actively engaged after Jamie’s arrest, offering emotional support and exploring rehabilitation options.
Jamie is the middle child. She has an older sister, Kelsie (sometimes spelled Kelsi), and a younger brother, C.J. (or CJ). Family members described a close sibling bond and a relatively ordinary New Jersey upbringing focused on school, sports, and work.
Family Background and Early Life
Jamie Lee Komoroski was born on September 15, 1998, and raised in western New Jersey near the Pennsylvania border. She attended North Hunterdon High School, where she played lacrosse for four years, took honors classes, and worked as a waitress at a local diner. That early restaurant experience later influenced her decision to study marketing and resort tourism at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. She graduated in 2020 and chose to stay in the Charleston area rather than return home.
Her parents’ careers provided stability. Traci’s school schedule allowed her to be home in the afternoons and during summers, while Charles worked in a family business. Both parents later told the court that Jamie had been a good student and a caring daughter who struggled with anxiety and depression after college. Traci publicly linked those struggles to Jamie’s eventual reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The Parents’ Response to the Tragedy
After the April 28, 2023, crash, Traci and Charles stayed in frequent contact with their daughter through recorded jail calls. In those conversations, they expressed love, encouraged hope and faith, and reassured Jamie that the family would stand by her. Charles at one point told her that “bad things happen to good people,” while also urging her to stay strong.
At the December 2024 sentencing hearing, both parents addressed the court. Traci apologized directly to Samantha Miller’s family and described her daughter as a “genius, compassionate, caring, generous, and loving person.” She spoke about Jamie’s mental health challenges and expressed regret that she had not intervened earlier. Charles also spoke in support of his daughter. Jamie ultimately pleaded guilty to felony DUI charges and reckless homicide and received a 25-year prison sentence.
Key Family Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mother | Traci Komoroski |
| Father | Charles Komoroski |
| Marital Status | Divorced (amicable relationship) |
| Mother’s Occupation | Elementary school paraprofessional (special needs), Ocean County, NJ |
| Father’s Occupation | Project manager, family-owned glass company, Union County, NJ |
| Siblings | Sister Kelsie/Kelsi; Brother C.J./CJ |
| Jamie’s Birthdate | September 15, 1998 |
| Hometown | Western New Jersey (Hunterdon area) |
| High School | North Hunterdon High School |
| College | Coastal Carolina University (Class of 2020) |
Traci’s Own Past Incident
In March 2013, Traci Komoroski was involved in a fatal crash in Clinton Township, New Jersey. While driving a Jeep Liberty, she struck Forest Fire Service Warden Jeffrey Scheuerer, 35, who was working a fire scene with a firetruck partially blocking the road. Authorities ruled the incident a tragic accident and filed no charges. The matter resurfaced in media coverage after Jamie’s 2023 crash, prompting discussion about family history with road tragedies, though the two events were separated by a decade and differed significantly in circumstances.
Conclusion
Traci and Charles Komoroski are ordinary New Jersey parents who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Their public statements reveal deep parental love mixed with sorrow over the irreversible harm caused on Folly Beach. They have spoken about Jamie’s positive qualities, her struggles with mental health, and their desire for her to seek recovery while acknowledging the pain inflicted on another family.
The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. For those following the story, knowing the parents’ backgrounds helps complete the human picture without diminishing the gravity of what occurred. As of August 2026, Jamie remains incarcerated serving her sentence, while her family continues to navigate the long-term aftermath of a single night that changed multiple lives forever.