Hampton County, S.C. – Settlement Reached in Boat Crash Lawsuit
Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh has settled a significant lawsuit concerning a tragic boat crash that resulted in the death of Mallory Beach, a University of South Carolina student. Official court records indicate that on October 10, Judge Daniel Hall signed an order finalizing the civil case.
This legal decision came after Murdaugh’s insurance company, Progressive, agreed to pay $500,000 to the family of Mallory Beach. At the time of the accident in February 2019, Beach, aged 19, was one of five passengers in a boat allegedly driven by Murdaugh’s son, Paul Murdaugh. The boat crashed into the Archers Creek Bridge in Beaufort after a night of underage drinking.
Details of the Incident
Investigation reports indicate that Paul Murdaugh utilized his brother’s identification to purchase alcohol both at a store and a dockside bar prior to the crash. Following the accident, Mallory Beach was thrown from the boat. Her body was eventually discovered eight days later in the river, approximately five miles from where the crash occurred. The autopsy revealed that her death was due to drowning and blunt force trauma.
In the wake of the crash, Paul Murdaugh faced multiple charges, including boating under the influence. However, he was murdered at the Murdaugh family estate in Colleton County before the case could be adjudicated in court.
Legal Road Ahead
Mallory Beach’s family subsequently filed a lawsuit against multiple parties, including Alex Murdaugh, who owned the boat involved in the incident, and Parker’s Kitchen, where the alcohol was procured. In a previous ruling, a judge endorsed a $15 million settlement between the Beach family and Parker’s Kitchen.
According to the investigation, a clerk failed to prevent Paul Murdaugh from using his brother’s ID to purchase alcohol. However, Parker’s Kitchen did not take responsibility for Beach’s death through the settlement. The Beach family expressed hope that the substantial settlement amount would encourage stores to better comply with alcohol laws.
The matter concerning payouts from the Murdaugh family remained until recently when Progressive informed the court that any payments were contingent upon resolving additional lawsuits against Murdaugh and having him removed from this case.
Conclusion of the Case
With the Beach family confirming to the court that outstanding issues had been resolved, they confirmed receipt of the $500,000 check from Progressive. Following this update, Judge Hall agreed to officially conclude the case.
As for Alex Murdaugh, he is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the criminal killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021. During his trial, it was argued by prosecutors that Murdaugh feared that a wrongful death lawsuit related to the boat crash could uncover the millions he had stolen from his clients and law firm.
In addition to the murder charges, Murdaugh has faced sentences in both state and federal courts for stealing from clients and his legal practice. He has also filed an appeal against his murder sentences.
