A Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who tragically died after falling from a drop ride at ICON Park in Orlando last year. This decision came after a heated trial where evidence of negligence and safety oversights by ride operators and manufacturers was presented. The Austrian company, Funtime Handels GMBH, failed to defend itself in court, leaving the family's claims uncontested.
Jury Awards $310 Million to Family of Teen Who Died on Orlando Amusement Ride
Jury Awards $310 Million to Family of Teen Who Died on Orlando Amusement Ride
A Florida jury compels an amusement ride manufacturer to pay a substantial sum following a tragic incident involving a 14-year-old boy.
Tyre was reportedly over the weight limit for the ride, weighing 43kg (94lbs) more than the 129kg threshold. On that fateful day in March 2022, Tyre was at the theme park with his football team. After the accident, he was rushed to a children's hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The lawsuit, filed by Tyre's parents, highlighted grave missteps in ride safety protocols, including a lack of seat belts.
The damages awarded were intended to compensate for the "pain and suffering" Tyre experienced before his untimely death. Tyre's family attorney, Ben Crump, emphasized the verdict as an indictment of corporate negligence. The family had previously settled with the ride's operational owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself for an undisclosed amount.
Tyre’s uncle reflected on the teen's promising nature, describing him as intelligent and kind. The accident has since catalyzed regulatory changes in Florida, with Governor Ron DeSantis enacting the Tyre Sampson Act in May 2023, which demands stricter safety measures for amusement rides exceeding 100 feet in height, including the implementation of mandatory seat belts. Crump highlighted that this legal victory underscores the need for corporate accountability in ensuring consumer safety.
The damages awarded were intended to compensate for the "pain and suffering" Tyre experienced before his untimely death. Tyre's family attorney, Ben Crump, emphasized the verdict as an indictment of corporate negligence. The family had previously settled with the ride's operational owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself for an undisclosed amount.
Tyre’s uncle reflected on the teen's promising nature, describing him as intelligent and kind. The accident has since catalyzed regulatory changes in Florida, with Governor Ron DeSantis enacting the Tyre Sampson Act in May 2023, which demands stricter safety measures for amusement rides exceeding 100 feet in height, including the implementation of mandatory seat belts. Crump highlighted that this legal victory underscores the need for corporate accountability in ensuring consumer safety.
