Maryland Lawsuit Arising From Death in Aruba Dropped

An American Express subsidiary is dropping its complaint against a Maryland man jailed for months in the presumed death of his traveling companion in Aruba.

AMEX Assurance Company sued Gary Giordano of Gaithersburg to void a travel insurance policy he had taken out in Robyn Gardner’s name before the couple traveled to Aruba in 2011. Giordano also sued the company to collect on the policy.

Giordano was suspected in Gardner’s disappearance but was released. He’s denied wrongdoing.

Court records in Maryland show AMEX filed a stipulation for dismissal Friday. Previous court filings indicate the parties were trying to resolve the case. Gardner’s sister told The Frederick News-Post that Giordano wouldn’t be paid as part of a settlement.

A lawyer for Giordano wouldn’t comment. An AMEX attorney didn’t return a call.