August Busch Reaches Wrongful Death Settlement

August Busch IV, the former Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. CEO, as agreed to a settlement of $1.5 million for the wrongful death of his girlfriend.

According to Busch's attorney, Art Margulis, "We believe that the settlement is very fair and even generous, but in an effort to ensure Blake's future, we are hopeful the court will approve." The motion to approve has been filed before Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler.

Busch was named as the defendant in the wrongful death lawsuit for his girlfriend, 27-year-old Adrienne Martin, who died of a drug overdose at his estate. An autopsy later revealed that she had a significant amount of cocaine in her body, but an overdose of oxycodone was the culprit behind her death. The suit was filed by her ex-husband, Dr. Kevin Martin, on behalf of their 8-year-old son, Blake Martin.

As long as Judge Syler agrees that the settlement is in the best interest of the young Martin, the settlement should be approved. However, some of the proceeds of the settlement could be shifted to Adrienne Martin's parents, since her father, George "Larry" Eby, has asked to join the lawsuit.