$310M Award for Family of Teen Who Fell from Orlando Drop Tower Ride

The family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old from St. Louis County, Missouri, has been awarded a substantial $310 million in a civil lawsuit following his tragic death after falling from an amusement park ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, in March 2022.

On March 24, 2022, Tyre Sampson was visiting ICON Park with his family when the fatal accident occurred. While enjoying the FreeFall drop tower attraction, Tyre fell from the ride and was immediately rushed to a local hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries.

More than two years after the devastating incident, a jury has ruled in favor of Tyre’s family, awarding them $310 million. The verdict was announced approximately an hour after deliberations concluded, as reported by local news stations WFTV and KSDK. Under the settlement, Tyre’s parents will each receive $155 million.

Family attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of corporate accountability. “This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products,” the attorneys stated in a press release. “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.”

Crump and Jackson further highlighted that the manufacturer, Funtime Handels of Austria, neglected their duty to ensure passenger safety, leading to the tragic loss of Tyre’s life. “The ride’s manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers,” they added. “The award guarantees they will face the consequences of those decisions.”

The attorneys hope that the significant award serves as a wake-up call for the entire amusement park industry to enforce stricter safety measures. “Tyre’s legacy will be a safer future for riders everywhere,” concluded the legal team.

An accident report released by the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services provided further insights into the malfunction. It stated that the magnets for the ride “engaged” upon descent, causing Tyre to “come out” of his seat. Notably, his harness remained in a down and locked position when the ride, which includes a 430-foot drop, concluded. The report confirmed that Tyre died of “multiple injuries and trauma.”

In response to the incident, ICON Park issued a statement assuring the public that it would “fully cooperate” with authorities investigating the accident. The tragic event has underscored the critical need for rigorous safety protocols in amusement park attractions.

As the Sampson family moves forward, the substantial financial award not only compensates for their immense loss but also paves the way for enhanced safety standards within the amusement park industry. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.