The Orlando theme park tragedy involving 14-year-old Tyre Sampson has led to a jury ruling in favor of his family, awarding them $310 million. The case, which brought to light safety lapses and neglect by the ride's manufacturer and operators, has resulted in changes to Florida's amusement park regulations.
$310 Million Jury Verdict for Family of Teen Fatality at Orlando Amusement Park
$310 Million Jury Verdict for Family of Teen Fatality at Orlando Amusement Park
A Florida jury has awarded a substantial payout to the family of Tyre Sampson, who tragically fell from a drop ride, highlighting safety concerns in amusement parks.
A Florida jury has ordered amusement ride manufacturer Funtime Handels GMBH to pay a staggering $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a teenage boy who died after falling from a drop ride at an Orlando theme park in 2022. The 14-year-old, who weighed 43kg (94lbs) over the ride's maximum limit of 129kg, plunged 30m (98ft) to the ground from a ride that lacked essential safety features such as seat belts.
The family's legal representatives argued that Tyre's death stemmed from significant safety failures and negligence by both the ride operators and the manufacturer. Notably, Funtime Handels GMBH did not attend the trial, nor was a lawyer representing them listed in court documents.
During spring break, Tyre was enjoying a visit to the ICON theme park in Orlando with his American football team when the tragic accident occurred. Despite being rushed to a nearby children's hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The jury's damages award reflects the "pain and suffering stemming from Tyre Sampson's injury and death," emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Ben Crump, the family's attorney, asserted that "Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits." The financial damages have been equally allocated to Tyre's mother and father, who initiated legal proceedings in March 2022, shortly following their son's death. Last year, they settled for an undisclosed sum with two additional parties: the ride’s owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and ICON Park itself.
Tyre's uncle, Carl Sampson, fondly remembered his nephew as a "really good kid" with great intelligence. The tragic loss of Tyre has spurred safety reforms across Florida, a state renowned for its amusement parks. In May 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis enacted the Tyre Sampson Act, which enforces stricter safety regulations, mandating the inclusion of seat belts and harnesses on rides exceeding 100 feet (30m) in height.
"This verdict marks progress in ensuring corporate accountability for the safety of their products," remarked Mr. Crump following the court's decision.
