Virginia Boating Death Lawsuit Results in Settlement of $2.75 Million

By Daniel Hawn

Published on September 21, 2006

The Lewis couple and their dog were killed on the evening of Aug. 20, 2005, when de Tournillon crashed his speedboat into the back of the Lewis’ cabin cruiser. He was traveling at 65 miles per hour and confessed to being drunk at the time of the crash.

Although insurance companies will cover most of the damages awarded, de Tournillon intends to cover $250,000 of the settlement using proceeds from the sale of his business, Shoreline Marina. The business has not yet been sold. The terms of the settlement specify that $250,000 must be paid to the Lewis’ estates by March 30, 2007.

The lawsuit filed against de Tournillon and Shoreline Marina initially sought $12 million in damages. The $2.75 million will be divided equally between the victims’ estates.

De Tournillon’s sentencing will take place at Bedford County Circuit Court on Sept. 26. The prosecutors have stated that they will ask for no more than 15 years in prison, though his sentence could be as long as 21 years.

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