A tragic incident at an Orlando theme park has resulted in a significant legal outcome. A Florida jury awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy who fell 100 feet from a drop ride at ICON Park in 2022. Tyre weighed 43 kg (94 lbs) over the ride’s limit of 129 kg (285 lbs), which had no seat belts for safety.
The family's attorneys accused the ride operators and its manufacturer, Funtime Handels GMBH, of negligence, as no representative attended the court proceedings. Tyre was visiting the park with his football team during spring break when the accident occurred, leading to his death at a nearby children's hospital.
The jury's award reflects damages for the "pain and suffering" caused by Tyre's death. Lawyer Ben Crump emphasized the need for corporate accountability, stating, “Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence.” In response to this tragedy, Florida enacted the Tyre Sampson Act in May 2023, enhancing safety standards at theme parks by requiring seat belts and harnesses on tall rides.
Tyre's uncle fondly remembered him as a "really good kid," and this unfortunate event has sparked urgent discussions about safety reforms in amusement parks across Florida.
