Opinion ID: 2433995
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Alvis Wiggins

Text: We find equally strong evidence in support of the award to Alvis Wiggins. He and Melinda were childhood sweethearts, and he had been Melinda's only boy friend. They married when he was discharged from the Air Force. Melinda was then seventeen. Mary Weedham testified as to their close relationship, stating that Alvis and Melinda were together constantly. She also testified about the effect of Melinda's death on Alvis. When Hope came home from Little Rock at age nine weeks, Alvis lived with Frances Graham and Hope. He was in such a state of shock that he could not work. Alvis testified that he could not work as a roofer, although he had a job. He testified he was unable to eat for a time, and that during the first few months after Melinda's death he was unable to accept it and still does not. Alvis testified that despite Melinda's accelerating health problems he tried to enjoy his life with her. When she suffered her seizure at home, the skin was torn on the finger he used to try to keep her from choking on her tongue. He was with her through her seizures at Lee Memorial Hospital and was at the hospital in Little Rock during her final comatose two weeks, hoping she would show life signs. We find evidence that factors (1) through (6), (10), and (13) were present and that the jury was justified in its award to Alvis Wiggins.