The family of Tyre Sampson, who died after falling from a drop ride in Orlando, wins a substantial financial award amidst heightened safety regulations for amusement parks.
**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 Floridian jury rules against ride manufacturer following tragic accident involving safety negligence.
In a landmark decision, a Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who tragically fell to his death from an amusement ride at ICON Park in Orlando back in 2022. The court findings reveal Tyre was 43 kg (94 lbs) over the ride's weight limit of 129 kg (285 lbs), and critically, the ride operated without seat belts.
During the court hearings, attorneys for Tyre’s family underscored that his death was a consequence of glaring safety lapses and negligence from both the ride operators and the manufacturer, Funtime Handels GMBH, which did not appear at the trial nor did they provide legal representation.
Tyre was enjoying a spring break visit to the theme park with his American football team when the accident occurred. After falling from the ride, he was rushed to a nearby children's hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The jury's financial award was designated to compensate for the "pain and suffering" stemming from Tyre’s untimely death. Ben Crump, the lawyer representing the family, stated that Tyre’s incident represents a tragic instance of negligence, emphasizing the failure to prioritize consumer safety over corporate profits.
Following the family’s civil lawsuit initiation in March 2022, they reached undisclosed settlements with other parties involved, including the ride's operator, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself. This incident has spurred legislative action, with the state of Florida enacting the Tyre Sampson Act in May 2023. This new law aims to enhance safety protocols for amusement rides, particularly mandating seat belts and harnesses for any ride exceeding 100 feet in height.
Tyre's death has left a profound impact on his family and community, with his uncle recalling him as a "really good kid" who was "very intelligent." This case underscores the pressing need for accountability in amusement park safety policies, as articulated by Mr. Crump following the jury's verdict.
During the court hearings, attorneys for Tyre’s family underscored that his death was a consequence of glaring safety lapses and negligence from both the ride operators and the manufacturer, Funtime Handels GMBH, which did not appear at the trial nor did they provide legal representation.
Tyre was enjoying a spring break visit to the theme park with his American football team when the accident occurred. After falling from the ride, he was rushed to a nearby children's hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The jury's financial award was designated to compensate for the "pain and suffering" stemming from Tyre’s untimely death. Ben Crump, the lawyer representing the family, stated that Tyre’s incident represents a tragic instance of negligence, emphasizing the failure to prioritize consumer safety over corporate profits.
Following the family’s civil lawsuit initiation in March 2022, they reached undisclosed settlements with other parties involved, including the ride's operator, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself. This incident has spurred legislative action, with the state of Florida enacting the Tyre Sampson Act in May 2023. This new law aims to enhance safety protocols for amusement rides, particularly mandating seat belts and harnesses for any ride exceeding 100 feet in height.
Tyre's death has left a profound impact on his family and community, with his uncle recalling him as a "really good kid" who was "very intelligent." This case underscores the pressing need for accountability in amusement park safety policies, as articulated by Mr. Crump following the jury's verdict.
