Michigan Returns Edmund Fitzgerald Life Ring to Owner as $600,000 Settlement Stands

Overview

• Michigan State Police acknowledged that the ring goes back to Larry Orr while taxpayers still cover the $600,000 payout.
• Orr and his attorney say the state’s interest in the relic during negotiations pushed the deal up from roughly $300,000 to $600,000.
• A state police spokesperson said the department was not comfortable with the ring being included, noting the initial terms were approved by an AG-appointed attorney and the court.
• Federal records show the civil case was dismissed on Oct. 30 after the settlement was reached.
• Orr had loaned the orange life ring to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades and says he may auction it after regaining possession.