Teen dies after falling 30m from unprotected ride at ICON Park
- The family of Tyre Sampson was awarded $310 million by a Florida jury after he fell from a ride at ICON Park.
- Tyre exceeded the ride's weight limit by 43kg (94lbs) and the ride lacked seat belts.
- The outcome of the case highlights the need for stricter safety regulations in amusement parks.
In March 2022, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson tragically fell 30 meters (98 feet) from a drop ride at the ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. This incident occurred during a visit with his American football team during spring break. After falling from the ride, he was rushed to a nearby children's hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. It was determined that Tyre Sampson exceeded the ride's weight limit and that the ride did not have seat belts, raising serious questions about safety protocols and standards at the park. Following Tyre's death, his family filed a civil suit against the ride's manufacturer and operators, citing negligence and safety failures. The lawsuit highlighted a critical oversight in ride safety measures and the potential risks associated with amusement park attractions not complying with necessary safety regulations. The absence of a representative from the Austrian manufacturer Funtime Handels GMBH during the trial further emphasized a lack of accountability in the case. In December 2024, a jury awarded Tyre's family $310 million, which was intended to compensate them for the pain and suffering resulting from his death. The ruling served as a significant move towards holding corporations liable for safety breaches related to amusement rides. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to Tyre's death by signing the Tyre Sampson Act into law in May 2023, which enforces stricter safety regulations for rides exceeding 100 feet in height, mandating that they be equipped with seat belts and harness systems. Tyre's tragedy has sparked heated discussions about amusement park safety and the obligations of ride operators and manufacturers to prioritize the safety of patrons. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Tyre's family, articulated the importance of corporate accountability, asserting that Tyre's death stemmed from blatant negligence in a system that often prioritizes profit over safety. The reforms initiated in the wake of this incident are aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring that safety standards are upheld to protect visitors at amusement parks across Florida.