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 2,083 days ago

Share:

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.


More from News 12
1:42
Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

1:40
Late-day showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of thunderstorm for Sunday

Late-day showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley; chance of thunderstorm for Sunday

0:52
Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:32
Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

0:52
'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow

'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow

1:53
Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

0:34
Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

1:57
White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

0:49
Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law

Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law

0:28
Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige, Pepsi team up to help women in the city

Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige, Pepsi team up to help women in the city

0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

2:13
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester