Orange County Jury Awards $310 Million in Death of Teen from Orlando Ride
Orange County, Florida – In a landmark decision, an Orange County jury ruled on Thursday evening that the manufacturers of the Orlando ride from which a 14-year-old boy fell to his death should pay his parents a staggering $310 million. This verdict follows the tragic incident in March 2022, when Tyre Sampson plunged from the Orlando FreeFall ride, which was marketed as the world’s tallest drop tower at 430 feet.
The Incident
On that fateful day, Tyre was allowed to board the FreeFall despite exceeding its weight restrictions. Standing at over 6 feet tall and weighing 380 pounds, he fell more than 70 feet after slipping off the ride as it abruptly braked following a rapid descent. The ride had an overhead harness but lacked a seatbelt, unlike many similar attractions.
The Lawsuit
Tyre’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, filed a lawsuit against the ride’s manufacturers, Funtime, based in Austria, and the German company Gerstlauer Amusement Rides. They alleged that these companies were negligent in ensuring the safety of the ride. The jury found Funtime liable for $155 million each to Tyre’s parents.
Attorney Statements
Following the ruling, attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that it represented a vital step toward holding corporations accountable for safety. “Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” they stated in an email. “This case will serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry to implement stricter safety measures.”
Investigation Findings
The investigation into Tyre’s death revealed that harnesses on specific seats had been manually altered, allowing the ride to operate with compromised safety measures. Despite public outcry and subsequent investigations reporting no evidence of mechanical failure, this manipulation directly led to the fatal incident.
Legal and Legislative Fallout
The verdict and the surrounding events have spurred significant legal and regulatory changes. In February 2023, Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, the ride’s owner, paid a $250,000 settlement to the Florida Department of Agriculture and was prohibited from operating the FreeFall again. Soon after, the ride was dismantled amid ongoing safety concerns.
In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed the “Tyre Sampson Act” unanimously. This law aims to tighten regulations related to amusement rides, including prohibiting unauthorized adjustments to restraint systems and enhancing safety inspections. However, it contains provisions that protect records related to active investigations, which has drawn criticism from advocates for transparency.
Future Improvements and Legacy
While the new law reflects a commitment to improving ride safety, concerns remain regarding the lack of transparency in investigating future incidents. Tyre’s legacy is now intertwined with these changes, as his tragic death catalyzed a movement towards safer amusement park experiences. Family members have expressed that while they are grateful for the new regulations, nothing can replace their lost loved one.
The case has sparked a nationwide discussion about amusement park safety, prompting both operators and legislators to prioritize protective measures for riders going forward.
