$1.75M Settlement Reached in August Busch IV Wrongful Death Case

Former beer baron August Busch IV has agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit over his former girlfriend’s accidental drug overdose death.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that a judge approved the settlement Tuesday. The money will go to the relatives of Adrienne Martin, who was 27 when she died at Busch’s mansion near St. Louis in 2010.

Martin’s ex-husband sued Busch on behalf of their son, Blake. Adrienne Martin’s divorced parents then successfully appealed to join the lawsuit.

Court documents show Blake will be paid $1.35 million. Her parents agreed to each accept $200,000, and her father will put the money into an annuity for his grandson.

Busch’s attorney said in a statement that his client “cares deeply” for Blake.