Family of man killed in Realty explosion to receive $6.1 million in wrongful death settlement

Akile Drake

The settlement in a wrongful death suit by the family of the man killed by the natural gas explosion in downtown Youngstown nearly one year ago has been released.

The family of 27-year-old Akil Drake settled its lawsuit against Yo Properties 47, LLC; LY Property Management (doing business as Youngstown Live Property Management; A Nieder Architecture; and MS Consultants.

The court document indicates a total settlement of $6.1 million; however, after deducting attorney fees, the family received $3,600,550.07.

The breakdown of those who will pay includes:

• $3 million paid by YO Properties 47, LLC, which is owned by Brian Angelilli, who is also one of the owners of GreenHeart Companies. This also lists LY Property Management, dba Youngstown Live Property Management and GreenHeart Companies. The state auditor's website lists the registering agent in 2021 as Sarah Marchionda; however, after the explosion, the agent is now listed as Jacqueline Marchionda, wife of downtown developer Dominic Marchionda.
• $2.9 million paid by Enbridge/Dominion.
• $100,000 paid by A Niedler Architecture from Boardman.
• $100,000 paid by ms Consultants of Youngstown

Court records show that Akil's family members will receive the following amounts:

Akil Drake's mother will receive 50 percent of the settlement, approximately $1,800,275, followed by his sister, who will receive 40 percent, roughly $1,440,220. Akil's paternal grandparents will receive 1.5 percent each, or a total of $108,016, and seven half-siblings will receive one percent each, approximately $36,005.  

A hearing is scheduled for July 17 in Mahoning County Probate Court, the court of Robert Rusu, to approve the settlement.