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Huge victory for man who stumbled on relic at beach as he’s paid $600K

Orr and his attorney, Shannon Smith, said the state suddenly expressed interest in the Fitzgerald life ring during the negotiations — Orr and his attorney, Shannon Smith, said the state suddenly expressed interest in the Fitzgerald life ring during the negotiations (Getty Images)

Larry Orr, 77, will have a life ring from the 1975 Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck returned to him by the state of Michigan.
Orr discovered the life ring and a piece of a lifeboat on the shore of Michigan's Upper Peninsula eight days after the freighter sank, killing all 29 crew members.
The state recently acquired the relic from Orr as part of a $600,000 settlement in a police misconduct lawsuit he filed, which was unrelated to the shipwreck.
Orr had accused a state police lieutenant of violating his rights during a discredited sexual abuse investigation that led to him spending five months in jail.
Following media reports about the unusual deal, a new agreement was reached, ensuring Orr receives both the life ring and the $600,000 settlement.

Man who found rare shipwreck relic gets $600K in lawsuit after it was taken by state — In full