TOPEKA — Kansas officials have voted to approve $33,000 for the settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit filed after a man died at a small lake northwest of Hays.
The Topeka-Capital Journal reports that 65-year-old Tony Bieker and his wife were staying at Antelope Lake in July 2011. Authorities say Tony’s boat became stuck at least 50 yards from shore. He was unable to dislodge the boat and decided to wait for daylight to flag down help.
A Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism officer arrived during the night and ordered Bieker to get his boat off the water. Bieker unsuccessfully tried get the boat free and began swimming to shore, but only made it halfway before going under. Bieker was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Bieker’s wife filed a lawsuit against the state and the officer. The State Finance Council voted to approve the $33,000.
