Jury Awards $310 Million to Family After Teen's Fatal Fall from Amusement Ride
A Florida jury has ruled that an amusement ride manufacturer must compensate the family of a 14-year-old boy who tragically died after falling from a ride in Orlando, emphasizing the need for improved safety standards.
In a landmark decision, a Florida jury awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy who lost his life when he fell 30 meters (100 feet) from a drop ride at ICON Park in Orlando. The ride's safety measures have come under intense scrutiny, particularly given that there were no seat belts and Sampson exceeded the weight limit of 129 kg (285 lbs) by 43 kg (95 lbs). His family claims that blatant negligence and safety failures by the ride operators and manufacturer Funtime Handels GMBH led to this tragedy. Despite the serious allegations, Funtime did not engage in the court proceedings. Tyre, who was visiting the park with his football team during spring break, died from his injuries shortly after the fall. His family, represented by lawyer Ben Crump, has been vocal about the significant negligence involved, stating that Tyre's death could and should have been prevented. In the wake of the incident, Florida implemented the Tyre Simpson Act in May 2023, mandating stricter safety regulations, including seat belts for all rides over 30 meters high, aiming to protect future riders. The jury’s decision is seen as a crucial step in holding companies accountable for ride safety, reinforcing the need for corporate responsibility in amusement park operations.
A Florida jury has ruled that an amusement ride manufacturer must compensate the family of a 14-year-old boy who tragically died after falling from a ride in Orlando, emphasizing the need for improved safety standards.
In a landmark decision, a Florida jury awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy who lost his life when he fell 30 meters (100 feet) from a drop ride at ICON Park in Orlando. The ride's safety measures have come under intense scrutiny, particularly given that there were no seat belts and Sampson exceeded the weight limit of 129 kg (285 lbs) by 43 kg (95 lbs). His family claims that blatant negligence and safety failures by the ride operators and manufacturer Funtime Handels GMBH led to this tragedy. Despite the serious allegations, Funtime did not engage in the court proceedings. Tyre, who was visiting the park with his football team during spring break, died from his injuries shortly after the fall. His family, represented by lawyer Ben Crump, has been vocal about the significant negligence involved, stating that Tyre's death could and should have been prevented. In the wake of the incident, Florida implemented the Tyre Simpson Act in May 2023, mandating stricter safety regulations, including seat belts for all rides over 30 meters high, aiming to protect future riders. The jury’s decision is seen as a crucial step in holding companies accountable for ride safety, reinforcing the need for corporate responsibility in amusement park operations.
