Parents win $310 million verdict over son's tragic fall from ride

In Orlando, Florida, a tragic incident occurred on March 24, 2022, when Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy from Missouri, fell to his death from the Orlando Free Fall ride at Icon Park. The ride, which featured a 430-foot drop and secured riders with only a shoulder harness, lacked additional safety measures such as seat belts. Tyre, who was tall and heavy, experienced a fatal accident when the harness did not lock properly for him. During the trial, which lasted just one day, the Orange County jury found the Austrian manufacturer, Funtime, guilty of negligence, awarding Tyre's parents a substantial $310 million in damages. This amount was split evenly between his mother, Nekia Dodd, and father, Yarnell Sampson. Funtime failed to appear in court to defend itself, leading the jury to emphasize the manufacturer’s responsibility for prioritizing profits over the safety of passengers. The family's lawyers stated that the verdict underscored long-held concerns regarding safety protocols and the risks associated with the ride's design. Icon Park had previously settled with Tyre's family for an undisclosed amount but did not face the same scrutiny as Funtime. The state has since ordered the closure and demolition of the Orlando Free Fall ride following Tyre's tragic fall. Collecting the damages awarded by the jury may require further legal action in Austria, emphasizing the complexities involved in seeking justice after such incidents. The outcome of this trial could have broader implications for amusement park safety regulations, as it sheds light on responsibilities both manufacturers and operators hold in ensuring the safety of their rides for all patrons.