Photo: spxChrome / E+ / Getty Images
Orange County, FL - An Orange County jury has awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall ride in March 2022.
The civil trial focused on the Austrian-based manufacturer, FUNTIME, responsible for designing and building the 430-foot drop tower.
The company was found liable for negligence after failing to participate in court proceedings, leading to a default judgment.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Sampson, who exceeded the ride's weight limit of 130 kilograms (approximately 287 pounds), was not properly secured.
Investigations showed that his seat had been manually adjusted to accommodate larger riders, compromising safety protocols.
The jury's decision underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in amusement park attractions and holds manufacturers accountable for ensuring rider safety.
This verdict serves as a significant precedent in advocating for stricter industry regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The family settled their lawsuits against ICON Park and the ride’s operators in March 2023 but not against the ride’s foreign manufacturers.
“FUNTIME’' is an Austria based business.