Michigan Acquires Life Ring from Edmund Fitzgerald

News Summary

Michigan has controversially acquired a life ring from the sunken Edmund Fitzgerald as part of a $600,000 lawsuit settlement. The ring, which was found on Lake Superior’s shore, has raised questions about its inclusion in the settlement linked to Larry Orr’s claims against the state police. As the 50th anniversary of the shipwreck approaches, memorial events are planned to honor the 29 crew members who lost their lives.

Michigan has acquired a life ring from the Edmund Fitzgerald, a ship that sank in Lake Superior in November 1975, marking a significant yet controversial moment in the state’s legal proceedings. This life ring was obtained as part of a $600,000 lawsuit settlement involving Larry Orr, who claimed a state police officer violated his rights during a discredited sexual abuse investigation. The costs of the settlement are being covered by Michigan taxpayers. The particulars of the settlement were recorded during a session described as “unusual” by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Grand.

Orr, who found the life ring on the shore of Lake Superior after the Fitzgerald sank, had plans to auction the artifact around the shipwreck’s 50th anniversary, believing it would attract considerable attention. The disaster led to the tragic loss of all 29 crew members on board the vessel, a tragedy that Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot famously memorialized in his ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Orr’s attorney indicated that the life ring represented approximately half of the settlement amount.

Concerns have emerged regarding the acquisition of the life ring. Questions have arisen about whether the mediation was appropriately focused on the alleged wrongful prosecution or if it was a negotiation for an estate sale of the artifact. Lt. David Busacca’s attorney participated in discussions about the life preserver, though the state’s interest in the ring remains unclear. A spokesperson for the state police stated that they are currently reassessing the inclusion of the life ring in the settlement.

The life ring had been previously lent to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which provides historical insights into maritime disasters, before Orr reclaimed it earlier this year. The museum’s director expressed the rarity of such artifacts, noting uncertainty about the number of existing life rings from the Fitzgerald.

In light of the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has scheduled two memorial services on November 10. A public ceremony is set to take place at 2 p.m. at the Whitefish Point lighthouse, while a private memorial for family members will be held at the museum later that evening. Limited parking will be available, and attendees should note that there will be no seating provided, as the event will occur outdoors and is subject to favorable weather conditions.

During the public ceremony, a bell will be rung to honor each of the 29 deceased mariners, and Lightfoot’s song will be played in remembrance. The private ceremony will be livestreamed for family members unable to attend in person. In addition to the events in Michigan, a related event at Split Rock Lighthouse is also scheduled for November 10, which is expected to draw thousands of participants. This event will include the reading of all 29 names and the lighting of the lighthouse beacon in tribute to the lost crew.

The Minnesota Historical Society is tasked with organizing the memorial service at the Split Rock Lighthouse. Various additional memorial events are being coordinated at different locations across the Great Lakes region to commemorate the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald, ensuring that the tragedy remains a significant part of maritime history.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC News
• Wikipedia: Edmund Fitzgerald
• Detroit Free Press
• Google Search: Edmund Fitzgerald
• Bridge Michigan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Edmund Fitzgerald
• MLive
• Google News: Edmund Fitzgerald 50th Anniversary