Tentative $2M Settlement in California Wrongful Death Lawsuit

An attorney says the parents of a male cruise ship dancer who was fatally shot by San Diego Harbor Police after jumping off the ship have reached a tentative $2.5 million settlement in their wrongful death lawsuit against the port.

Attorney Brian Claypool told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the parties reached the settlement on Friday, but it won’t be formalized in open court until today.

The family of Steven Hirschfield filed a $20 million lawsuit in federal court claiming two Harbor Police officers violated Hirschfield’s civil rights and used excessive force.

Police said Hirschfield was shot in the back after Hirschfield reached for another officer’s pistol during a scuffle.

The district attorney’s office declined to file criminal charges, saying the officer was justified in the shooting.