Ride

$310 Million Verdict Reached in Landmark Safety Lawsuit After Teen’s Fatal Florida Amusement Ride Fall

by

ORLANDO, Fla. — In a rapid decision late Thursday, an Orange County jury awarded $310 million to the parents of a 14-year-old boy who died after falling from a towering amusement ride in Orlando last year. The jury, which began selection that morning, delivered a substantial verdict against Funtime, the Austrian-based creator of the Orlando FreeFall ride, and Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, the German firm responsible for the ride’s seat design and safety inspections. The tragic incident occurred in March 2022, when Tyre Sampson, a visitor from St. Louis, Missouri, fell from the ride after it … Read more

Jury Awards $310 Million to Family of Teen in Fatal Florida Theme Park Ride Fall

by

Orlando, Fla. — A theme park ride manufacturer has been directed by a Florida court to pay a substantial $310 million in damages for the death of a 14-year-old boy who tragically fell from a ride in Orlando. The teen, Tyre Sampson, lost his life after he slipped from his seat on the FreeFall drop tower at ICON Park last March during a spring break trip. Tyre, who was visiting from St. Louis, Missouri, was part of a group that decided to experience what was promoted as the “world’s tallest” drop tower. The ride involves … Read more

$300 Million Awarded in Wrongful Death Suit Over Teen’s Fatal Drop from Orlando Ride

by

Orlando, Fla. — In a significant court ruling, the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically died after falling from a towering drop ride in Orlando’s tourist district, were awarded over $300 million on Thursday. The compensation marks a pivotal moment in the debate over amusement ride safety standards and manufacturer accountability. On a spring break visit to ICON Park in March 2022, Sampson, from St. Louis, met with a fatal accident when he slipped through the restraints of the 430-foot-tall FreeFall ride. The unexpected event led to a national dialogue on the safety … Read more

$310 Million Awarded to Family After Teen’s Tragic Fall from Florida Amusement Park Ride

by

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida jury has ordered a $310 million payout to the family of a teenager who tragically died after falling from an amusement park ride last year. The verdict came after 14-year-old Tyre Sampson fell from the Freefall Drop Tower at Icon Park in March 2022, an incident that led to significant legal and regulatory repercussions. The legal investigation uncovered that adjustments had been made to two seats on the ride to accommodate Tyre’s larger body size, which unfortunately led to him slipping out of his safety harness. Pursuing justice for Tyre, … Read more