A Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from an amusement park ride over two years ago. The jury awarded the sum to Tyre’s parents for pain and suffering caused by his death in 2022, as well as covering medical and funeral expenses. The case entered a default judgment after Funtime Handels, the Austrian-based manufacturer of the ride, failed to appear in court for the civil trial in Orange County on Thursday. The company had also chosen not to settle the matter last year, leading the judge to hold them accountable for the teen’s death.
Tyre Sampson was visiting ICON Park in Orlando during his spring break from St. Louis, Missouri, on March 24, 2022. He decided to ride the FreeFall drop tower, one of the park’s main attractions. During the ride, Sampson slipped out of his harness halfway down the 400-foot drop, falling to the ground in front of horrified onlookers. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The lawsuit filed by Sampson’s family claimed that the ride did not include seatbelts, and adding them would have cost just $22 per seat. It was also revealed that Sampson, who stood at 6’5” and weighed 380 pounds, had been turned away from two other rides because of his size. His weight exceeded the ride’s limits by over 100 pounds. His family pointed out that there were no posted weight restrictions or scales at the ride’s entrance. Furthermore, Sampson’s seat had been improperly adjusted, with a large gap between his harness and the seat, according to an independent investigation. The ride attendant, who had only been on the job for three days, was also considered a trainee.
A state investigation confirmed that Sampson’s death was caused by being improperly secured in his seat. The autopsy revealed that he died from blunt force trauma. The ride, previously touted as the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower, was dismantled a year after the incident. Sampson’s mother, Nekia Dodd, was present to witness the ride’s removal. She recalled, “Unfortunately, when he passed, I wasn’t there for him. So, I had to do this. I didn’t want to come under these circumstances, but I had to do this.”
The jury awarded $155 million each to Tyre’s mother and father, Yarnell Sampson. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented the family, called the verdict a significant step in holding corporations accountable for safety. He emphasized, “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.” He also noted that the ride’s manufacturers had neglected their duty to protect passengers and that this verdict ensures they face the consequences for their decisions.
Crump expressed his hope that the case would serve as a wake-up call for the amusement park industry, advocating for stricter safety measures and oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Tyre’s legacy will be a safer future for riders everywhere,” he added.
In response to Tyre Sampson’s death, Florida passed the Tyre Sampson Act, a new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023. The law mandates that amusement rides over 100 feet tall must include seatbelts and harnesses and be regularly inspected by independent regulatory agencies. It also requires operators to promptly report accidents, and unsafe rides can be impounded. Additionally, any modifications to sensors or restraints must be documented and justified.
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