Michigan is relinquishing ownership of a rare artifact from the notable Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck after coming into possession of it through an unrelated lawsuit settlement. Larry Orr is set to receive one of the ship’s life rings back, with the state agreeing to pay $600,000 US to resolve his lawsuit related to police misconduct.
“I feel a tremendous sense of relief,” expressed Orr, 77, in an interview with The Associated Press.
In 1975, shortly after the Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior, Orr discovered the life ring and a fragment of a lifeboat on the shore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, eight days following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of all 29 crew members. Recalling the somber moment, he mentioned, “There was a haunting feeling that perhaps someone had survived. I searched for any signs of life like footprints but found none.”
Fast forward five decades to this fall, Orr was in discussions with the Michigan State Police to settle a lawsuit involving allegations against Lt. David Busacca for rights violations during a disproven sexual abuse investigation. Orr had been incarcerated for five months and placed under house arrest before the charges were dismissed in 2019.
During the negotiation process, the state unexpectedly expressed interest in the Fitzgerald life ring. Orr claimed that Busacca was aware of his ownership of the artifact upon examining paperwork during a search of his residence in Michigan, which left Orr feeling manipulated. However, needing funds to relocate from a recreational vehicle in Yulee, Fla., Orr and his attorney, Shannon Smith, agreed to include the ring in the settlement, increasing the amount from around $300,000 to $600,000.
“Considering everything they put me through, I believe we should have received a million,” expressed Orr.
The unusual settlement was initially reported by The Associated Press on Oct. 23, prompting inquiries to the state police. Spokesperson Shanon Banner responded that the department was “not at ease” explaining the circumstances.
Subsequent discussions among legal representatives led to a revised agreement: Orr will regain possession of the ring, while taxpayers will still bear the $600,000 cost to conclude the police misconduct lawsuit. Banner confirmed the terms this week.
For many years, Orr permitted the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, Mich., to exhibit the orange ring bearing the stenciled word “Fitzgerald.” Currently contemplating auctioning it off, Orr mentioned his intentions to purchase a modular home and the urgent need to replace his wife’s failing vehicle.
“Every penny is crucial for me at this point,” he remarked.