A Florida jury has granted a staggering $310 million to the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically died in 2022 after being thrown from a ride at an Orlando amusement park.
This verdict was finalized late last Thursday by an Orange County jury, which determined that Funtime, the manufacturer of the ride involved, is responsible for paying this substantial amount to Tyre’s family.
If the ruling holds up and the payment is made, the compensation will be split evenly between Tyre’s mother and father.
The Incident
The ride in question, known as the “Orlando Slingshot,” was located at Icon Park, which had previously settled with the Sampson family.
However, the details of that settlement remain confidential.
Tyre, originally from Missouri, was enjoying a spring break trip with his high school football team when the fatal incident took place at Icon Park.
Upon boarding the Orlando Slingshot, Tyre slipped from his harness and plummeted approximately 100 feet from the 400-foot attraction.
Investigations indicated that Tyre, who weighed nearly 400 pounds, exceeded the ride’s weight limit of 285 pounds.
The cause of his death was determined to be severe internal injuries sustained in the fall.
Safety Concerns and Legal Repercussions
Safety concerns were a focal point in this case, especially regarding the ride’s design.
Reports noted that the Orlando Slingshot had minimal safety features; while riders were instructed to secure themselves with harnesses, there were no seat belts installed.
Tyre’s ability to slip from the ride was attributed to the improper fitting and securing of the safety harness.
Attorneys representing the Sampson family criticized the manufacturer for neglecting vital safety protocols.
They pointed out that seat belts could have been added for a mere $22 per seat—amounting to just $660 for all the seats—which could have significantly increased rider safety.
Lawyers Benjamin Crump and Natalie Jackson, advocates for Tyre’s family, stated that the jury’s decision underscored their belief that Tyre’s tragic death stemmed from gross negligence and an alarming disregard for rider safety in the pursuit of profit.
They argued that manufacturers must be held accountable for failing to protect their patrons.
Legislative Changes and Future Implications
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the Orlando Slingshot has been dismantled.
Furthermore, in May 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Tyre Sampson Act,” which aims to strengthen safety regulations for amusement park rides across the state.
The family’s legal team expressed hopes that this case would encourage the entire amusement industry to adopt stricter safety measures designed to prevent similar incidents.
They emphasized that Tyre’s memory should inspire a commitment to creating a safer experience for all riders.
However, Tyre’s family faces potential hurdles before they can access the awarded damages.
Funtime operates out of Austria, meaning that Tyre’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, will need to approach an Austrian court to have the jury’s decision recognized and enforced.
Source: Legalreader