The family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from a Florida amusement park ride in 2022, has been awarded $310 million in a civil lawsuit against the ride’s manufacturer. The verdict was reached on Dec. 5 after a jury deliberated for just one hour.
Sampson, a St. Louis County, Missouri resident, was visiting Orlando’s ICON Park on March 24, 2022, when he fell from the FreeFall drop tower, a ride that included a 430-foot descent. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the teenager died from his injuries, leaving his family devastated and sparking outrage over ride safety standards.
The lawsuit targeted Funtime Handels, the Austria-based manufacturer of the ride, citing gross negligence. The $310 million settlement will be divided evenly between Sampson’s parents, with each receiving $155 million. Attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson, who represented the family, described the verdict as a pivotal moment for corporate accountability.
In a statement, Crump and Jackson said, “This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products. The jury’s decision confirms what we have long argued: Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits.”
An investigation by the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services revealed that the ride’s safety systems failed to protect Tyre. The magnets used to slow the ride engaged properly, but Tyre slipped from his seat despite his harness being locked in place. The report concluded that the manufacturer neglected its duty to ensure passenger safety, contributing directly to the tragedy.
The attorneys expressed hope that the verdict would lead to stronger safety regulations across the amusement park industry, ensuring that no other family has to endure a similar loss. “Tyre’s legacy will be a safer future for riders everywhere,” their statement read.
ICON Park, where the ride was located, has stated it would cooperate fully with authorities. As of Dec. 5, the park has not issued a comment on the jury’s decision.
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