The decision comes amid ongoing safety reform discussions following his tragic death, highlighting issues of negligence in amusement park operations.
Jury Awards $310M to Family of Teen Who Died on Orlando Amusement Ride
Jury Awards $310M to Family of Teen Who Died on Orlando Amusement Ride
A jury in Florida has ruled in favor of the family of Tyre Sampson, awarding them $310 million after the teen's fatal fall from a theme park ride.
A Florida jury has handed down a staggering $310 million verdict to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from an amusement park ride at ICON Park in Orlando in 2022. The ride, known for its abrupt drops, lacked seat belts, and Tyre's family emphasized that safety negligence by the ride's operators and manufacturers played a crucial role in the incident.
Tyre Sampson fell from a height of 30 meters (98 feet) after being found to exceed the ride's weight limit by 43 kilograms (94 pounds). His death occurred shortly after the fall, as he was rushed to a nearby children's hospital, but it was too late to save him. During the legal proceedings, the Austrian ride manufacturer, Funtime Handels GMBH, was absent and did not have legal representation.
The jury's substantial award reflects their recognition of the "pain and suffering" caused by Tyre's untimely death. Ben Crump, the attorney representing Tyre's family, stated the verdict signifies a call for accountability, saying, "Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits."
Tyre’s parents filed their civil suit shortly after the tragic accident in March 2022. Last year, they reached a settlement with two other defendants involved – the ride's owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself.
In the wake of Tyre's death, Florida's government has enacted safety reforms, leading to the introduction of the Tyre Simpson Act in May 2023. This legislation imposes stricter safety standards for amusement rides, particularly mandating seat belts and harnesses on rides exceeding 100 feet in height.
Tyre’s uncle described him as a "really good kid" who was intelligent and full of potential, emphasizing the significant loss felt by his family and community. With this recent verdict, advocates aim to ensure that safety measures are prioritized in amusement parks, preventing further tragedies.
