Judge Upholds Conn. Widow's Settlement

May 5, 2008

A Greenwich, Connecticut probate judge has upheld a settlement of more than $1 million between a cruise ship line and the widow of a missing passenger.

George Smith IV of Greenwich had been on a 12-night honeymoon cruise aboard a Royal Caribbean ship in July 2005 when he vanished somewhere between Greece and Turkey. He was reported missing July 5 when the ship docked at Kusadasi, a resort area in the Aegean region of Turkey.

His widow, Jennifer Hagel Smith, the administrator of Smith's estate, reached an agreement in June 2006 with the Royal Caribbean for $1.08 million dollars. The deal had been contested by Smith's parents.

On Friday, Probate Judge David Hopper approved the settlement, ruling that it was reasonable and in the best interest of the estate. Smith's body has never been found.