Photo: CBS 12
A former bridge tender has struck a plea deal with prosecutors nearly a year after an elderly West Palm Beach woman fell to her death.
43-year old Artissua Paulk has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and gets two days in jail and eight years probation for opening the Royal Park Drawbridge while 79-year old Carol Wright was walking across it last February.
"It devastated the family and they're still devastated."
Attorney Lance Ivey speaking with CBS 12 News.
He represented Wright's family through a lawsuit against Florida Drawbridge Incorporated last summer.
The more than $8 million settlement has led to more training for bridge tenders.
"They weren't being propertly trained. They weren't given the proper safety protocols. And because of Carol, and her legacy continues and her influence continues, they are propertly trained now."
The company operates other bridges across the state.
As part of Paulk's plea deal she gets credit for time served, but must also serve 200 hours of community service and pay court costs. The woman is not allowed to work for any company that operates heavy machinery or equipment and Judge Scott Suskauer ordered her to write a letter of apology to Wright's family.