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state of michigan had recovered a life ring from Edmund Fitzgerald that had washed ashore 50 years earlier, a rare artifact that strangely became part of the settlement in a lawsuit that had nothing to do with the famous shipwreck.
Taxpayers are paying $600,000 to settle a lawsuit by Larry Orr, who accused a state police officer of violating his rights during a sexual assault investigation, court records show.
Orr, in return, agreed to give up his life ring, which he had in his possession. US Magistrate Judge David Grand said it was an “unusual settlement conference” when lawyers appeared in court on October 8 and put the deal on the record.
associated Press He contacted state police this week to try to learn why he wanted the life ring and who had authorized Lt. David Busacca’s attorney to bargain for it.
“After learning the details of the settlement, we are not comfortable with the inclusion of Life Saver and will be contacting Mr. Orr’s attorney,” spokeswoman Shannon Banner said in an email Thursday.
Banner would not answer follow-up questions. The state already has an orange ring.
and found it Lake Superior All 29 people aboard the ore ship died after the Fitzgerald sank during an incredible storm in November 1975. Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot commemorated the disaster with an iconic song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”.
Orr had planned to auction the ring, thinking it might attract more attention around the 50th anniversary in a few weeks, said his attorney, Shannon Smith.
Busacca apparently knew Orr had one, Smith said, and it was suddenly brought up during negotiations to settle Orr’s lawsuit against him.
He said it probably represents half the value of the $600,000 settlement reached over allegations of police misconduct.
“Are we mediating a wrongful prosecution or an asset sale?” Smith said he was surprised.
Busaka’s attorney, Audrey Forbush, declined to comment when contacted by the AP. Orr, who is 70, also declined to comment.
The ring of life was on loan to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula until Orr retrieved it this year.
“They’re very unusual,” said museum director Bruce Lynn. “I honestly don’t know how many people are there.”