Judge upholds suit over Pa. Marine’s missing heart
A judge says the family of a Marine whose body came back from Greece missing his heart can pursue negligence claims against the United States.
However, Greek officials and the Athens hospital that performed the autopsy are immune from the Pennsylvania family’s lawsuit, the judge ruled.
The dispute involves the 2012 suicide of Marine Sgt. Brian LaLoup of Coatesville.
Authorities say the 21-year-old killed himself after a party at the U.S. embassy, where he was stationed.
His parents say U.S. military officials told them only belatedly that the heart went missing after the autopsy.Family lawyer Aaron Freiwald says last week’s ruling means Craig and Beverly LaLoup can investigate the handling of their son’s body through the court case.
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