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NEW YORK (AP) Lawyers say the widow of a man killed in the 2003 Staten Island ferry crash has settled a wrongful death claim against New York City for $8.7 million.

The lawyers made the announcement on behalf of Kathy Healy and her four children.

Healy's husband, John, was killed in 2003 when the ferry crashed into a dock at full speed.

A trial on Kathy Healy's lawsuit had been scheduled to start Monday in federal court.

The city's corporation counsel did not immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.

The boat's pilot was on painkillers and suffering from extreme fatigue. He pleaded guilty to negligent manslaughter and lying to investigators and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The city's ferry director got a year in prison after pleading guilty to negligent manslaughter and admitting he failed to implement or enforce a safety rule.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-25-08 0854CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list