Missouri to pay Ellingson family $9 million after Lake of the Ozarks drowning
UPDATE 11/17: The state of Missouri will pay $9 million to Ellingson’s family after almost a two year civil lawsuit. Brandon Ellingson drowned while in a trooper’s custody on May 31, 2014 at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Anthony Piercy, the Missouri State trooper, has been on unpaid administrative leave and has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
In September, the Ellingson family won a sunshine lawsuit against the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
“The Ellingsons now look to the Missouri state court to ensure that the manslaughter charges pending against Piercy are prosecuted expeditiously and fairly and that Piercy never again serves as a law enforcement officer. Justice for Brandon will be achieved by ensuring public safety in Missouri,” says the official release about the settlement.
After spending 18 years on the road in the Highway Patrol, May 2014 marked Piercy’s second summer on the water.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued a statement on the settlement:
“The mission of the Missouri State Highway Patrol is to serve and protect all people, and any loss of life is a tragedy. With this case now settled through the court system, the Patrol will have no additional comment on this matter.”
You can read the full release here:
ORIGINAL STORY: ABC 17 News confirmed the father of Brandon Ellingson and the trooper accused of being responsible for Ellingson’s death were close to a settlement Wednesday night.
Court records show a judge granted Anthony Piercy’s motion to dismiss the appeal in the civil suit.
ABC 17 News reached out to Craig Ellingson’s lawyer who said the two sides have reached a settlement. They are set to release more information tomorrow morning.
