A Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from a drop ride at ICON Park in Orlando in 2022. The court found that Sampson exceeded the ride's weight limit of 129 kg (approximately 284 lbs) by 43 kg (94 lbs), with no seat belts present for safety. This ruling came after the family's legal team argued that the ride operator and manufacturer failed to adhere to crucial safety standards that ultimately led to the teen's fatal accident.
Jury Orders $310M in Damages After Fatal Orlando Amusement Park Incident
Jury Orders $310M in Damages After Fatal Orlando Amusement Park Incident
The tragic case of a teenager's death at an Orlando theme park prompts significant financial consequences for the ride manufacturer.
Sampson was visiting the park with his American football team during spring break when the accident occurred. Following his fall from the ride, he was rushed to a children's hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The jury's decision reflects a belief that the negligence in safety measures constituted a significant breach of duty to promote rider safety.
Ben Crump, the attorney representing Tyre's family, emphasized the evident negligence behind the incident. "Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritise safety over profits," he remarked after the jury's ruling. The family had previously settled for an undisclosed amount with ICON Park and the ride's owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, highlighting systemic issues within ride safety regulation.
In a related legal and legislative aftermath, Tyre's death has spurred changes in Florida's amusement park safety laws. The newly enacted Tyre Simpson Act was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, instituting stricter safety protocols, including mandatory seat belts and harnesses for rides exceeding 100 feet (30 m) in height.
The jury's decision not only delivers a poignant message regarding corporate accountability but also aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future while honoring the memory of a promising young life lost. Tyre Sampson's uncle described him as an intelligent and kind-hearted individual, calling for further advancements in safety standards that protect vulnerable patrons of amusement parks across the state.
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Ben Crump, the attorney representing Tyre's family, emphasized the evident negligence behind the incident. "Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritise safety over profits," he remarked after the jury's ruling. The family had previously settled for an undisclosed amount with ICON Park and the ride's owner, Eagle Drop Slingshot, highlighting systemic issues within ride safety regulation.
In a related legal and legislative aftermath, Tyre's death has spurred changes in Florida's amusement park safety laws. The newly enacted Tyre Simpson Act was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, instituting stricter safety protocols, including mandatory seat belts and harnesses for rides exceeding 100 feet (30 m) in height.
The jury's decision not only delivers a poignant message regarding corporate accountability but also aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future while honoring the memory of a promising young life lost. Tyre Sampson's uncle described him as an intelligent and kind-hearted individual, calling for further advancements in safety standards that protect vulnerable patrons of amusement parks across the state.
FloridaTheme parksOrlando
