Insurance Paid After Explosion (Press, 8 November 1989)

On 8 November 1989, it was reported that an insurance company reached a settlement with Kendall Truitt, a former sailor of the U.S.S. Iowa, paying him a sum of USD 200,000 (approximately NZD 169,000) in relation to the death of a fellow crewmate, Clayton Hartwig. The incident took place during an explosion aboard the ship that resulted in the deaths of 47 individuals on 19 April 1989. Although Mr Truitt was initially investigated due to the circumstances surrounding Hartwig's insurance policy, which named him as the beneficiary, he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing. The Navy has suggested that Hartwig may have intentionally caused the explosion as a means of suicide. Initial investigations raised issues regarding the nature of Truitt’s and Hartwig's relationship, with some leaks proposing that they may have had a homosexual relationship that had deteriorated. This speculation led to questions concerning Truitt's involvement in the tragic incident as the focus of the Navy's investigation. In response to these allegations, Truitt, who is married, categorically denied having any sexual relationship with Hartwig or being involved in the explosion. The outcome of the insurance claim settlement represents a significant financial resolution for Truitt amid the ongoing scrutiny and controversial context surrounding the deadly explosion.

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