The family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old teen from Missouri who died on an amusement park ride in 2022, has been awarded a $310 million settlement. The teen fell to his death at Icon Park in Orlando while riding the Freefall Drop Tower. Tyree was reportedly visiting the amusement park with his football team during spring break.
The teen reportedly slipped out of the restraints while the ride was in operation-the attraction could reach a speed of 75 miles per hour. The amusement park allowed Sampson to ride the Freefall Drop Tower despite the teen being nearly 100 pounds over the 287-pound weight limit.
Attorney Ben Crump represented the 14-year-old's family. According to NBC News, "The civil verdict, announced in an Orange County courtroom after roughly an hour of deliberation, was against the Austrian company that manufactured the ride, Funtime Handels GmbH." The ride manufacturer reportedly didn't show up for court. Attorney Crump gave the following statement, "This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products—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."
NBC News also stated Tyre's family settled last year with two other defendants named in the suit: ICON Park and Eagle Drop Slingshot. The settlement amount was not disclosed.
Following the accident, the ride was reportedly dismantled and is no longer available at the amusement park. Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Tyre Sampson Act, which calls to strengthen the safety standards for amusement park rides.
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