Orlando, Fla. — The parents of a 14-year-old Missouri boy who tragically fell to his death from the Orlando Free Fall ride in 2022 have been awarded a $310 million verdict against the ride’s Austrian manufacturer.
Dark Chocolate Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
An Orange County jury on Thursday ordered Funtime, the ride’s builder, to pay $155 million each to the boy’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson. The verdict came after Tyre Sampson fell 70 feet (21 meters) from the 430-foot-tall (131 meters) ride at Icon Park on March 24, 2022. The trial, held in absentia, lasted just one day as Funtime did not appear in court to defend itself.
Icon Park, which leased the ride’s space to Orlando Slingshot, the operator and owner, had previously reached an undisclosed settlement with the Sampson family.
Deck The Halls With These Holiday Specials!
Negligence at the Center of the Case
“The jury’s decision confirms what we have long argued: Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” family attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson said in a statement. “The ride’s manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers, and (Thursday’s) outcome ensures they face the consequences.”
The family will now pursue enforcement of the judgment through an Austrian court to collect the damages.
Avoid Home Invasions With These Essential Security Devices
Manufacturer Silent
Funtime has not responded to inquiries following the verdict. The company’s website highlights its portfolio of thrill rides, including attractions such as the Vomatron, Sling Shot, and Chaos Pendle, which are designed to drop, spin, and throw passengers at high speeds and from great heights.
Top 8 Must-Have Gaming Deals You Can’t Miss!
Fatal Fall and Safety Oversight
Tyre Sampson, a high school football standout standing 6 feet, 2 inches tall (1.9 meters) and weighing 380 pounds (172 kilograms), was visiting Orlando from the St. Louis area during spring break when the tragedy occurred.
The Orlando Free Fall, known for its dramatic 430-foot drop, seated riders in individual harnesses but lacked the additional safety feature of seat belts. The ride’s restraint system failed to properly secure Sampson due to his size, resulting in his ejection when the ride braked just 70 feet above the ground.
The lawsuit contended that Funtime and Orlando Slingshot failed to adequately warn passengers of the risks associated with size and neglected to install sufficient safety measures. Adding seat belts, which were not included in the ride’s design, would have cost only $660.
Unlock Your Gaming Potential With These Cutting-Edge Monitors
Ride Closure and Demolition
Following the accident, the state ordered the permanent closure of the Orlando Free Fall ride. The attraction never reopened and is now being dismantled.