Estate of ear surgeon reaches settlement

WARREN — The estate of a renowned Warren ear surgeon, who was piloting his own plane when it crashed in 2003, has been settled for $15 million.

The estate of Dr. Franklin M. Rizer, administered by his sister Dr. Melisa Rizer of Columbus, settled its wrongful death claim today. The case was before Judge Thomas A. Swift of Trumbull County Probate Court.

According to the judge’s settlement entry, $6 million goes to the attorneys along with $351,812 for their expenses. The estate is represented by Warren attorney Charles Richards and Cleveland attorney Jamie R. Lebovitz.

Dr. Rizer was killed March 20, 2003, while on an instrument approach to Runway 17 of Leesburg Executive Airport in Leesburg, Va.

Defendants in the lawsuit were Mooney Aircraft Co. and Mooney Aerospace Group, designer and manufacturer of the aircraft; Honeywell International Inc.; Honeywell General Aviation Business Corp.; Honeywell Business; and Winner Aviation.

The amount each company will pay the estate isn’t being made public, according to an agreement by the attorneys involved.

According to Judge Swift’s entry, the net proceeds of the estate, or $8,634,572, will be divided by the court later.

Money will be paid to Dr. Melisa Rizer; Maria Rizer of Warren, the ear surgeon’s wife; Kaylin Rizer Allshouse of Columbus, his niece; and the estate of Wanda Mae Rizer, his mother.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.