Kayak drowning victim’s family drops suit against ex-fiancée

<p>Angelika Graswald and the family of her former fianc&eacute;, Vincent Viafore, have reached an agreement in court involving a wrongful death lawsuit.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 13, 2018, 10:03 PM

Updated 2,095 days ago

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Angelika Graswald and the family of her former fiancé, Vincent Viafore, have reached an agreement in court involving a wrongful death lawsuit.
It appears Viafore's family is ready to move forward after the tragic loss of their son. Their attorney said Monday morning that the family agreed to drop the wrongful death lawsuit against Graswald.
"They've been living this somewhat of a nightmare for several years now. They're happy to see it concluded and move on,” says Allan Rappleyea, Viafore's attorney.
Graswald admitted to tampering with Viafore's kayak, causing him to drown while the two were on the Hudson River back in April 2015.
Graswald, a Latvian native, was facing 25 years to life, but she took a plea deal shortly before going to trial. She pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and was released from prison in December 2017.
The 37-year-old was appealing her conviction in connection to Viafore's death, but in court on Monday, News 12 was told she agreed to drop the appeal.
Graswald was also the primary beneficiary of Vincent Viafore's life insurance policy. According to Graswald's attorney, it will now be dispersed among the family and Graswald's law firm.
Officials say both parties seemed pleased with the agreement and are looking to put the past behind them.
"I think they think it was in their best interest. The closure to their family, including the fact the conviction would stand and not be further challenged, was important to them,” says Rappleyea.

Graswald may face deportation after finishing her 16-month parole.


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