December 7, 2024: A jury in Florida has awarded a monumental ₹2,624 crore ($310 million) to the family of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy who tragically fell to his death from the Free Fall Tower drop ride at Orlando’s ICON Park in 2022. The teenager, who was visiting the park during a spring break trip with his football team, slipped out of his seat and plummeted 70 feet, leading to his untimely death.
The jury’s decision mandates the ride’s Austrian manufacturer, Funtime, to pay ₹1,312 crore ($155 million) each to Tyre’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson. The case underscores a significant failure in safety protocols that led to this devastating incident.
Attorney’s Statement on the Verdict
“This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products. Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” stated the attorneys representing Tyre’s family.
They added, “The manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers, and today’s outcome ensures they face the consequences of those decisions.”
Details of the Tragedy
Tyre Sampson was riding the 400 ft-tall Free Fall Tower, which seated 30 passengers secured by shoulder harnesses but lacked seat belts—a standard feature in similar rides.
A significant factor contributing to the tragedy was Tyre’s weight, which was 173 kg, exceeding the ride’s weight limit of 129 kg. Despite this, he was allowed on the ride. The improperly locked harness failed to secure him, and he was ejected when the ride braked mid-descent.
Legal Challenges and Industry Implications
The trial lasted only one day as Funtime, the manufacturer, failed to appear in court. While the family has reached an undisclosed settlement with ICON Park, collecting the ₹2,624 crore ($310 million) award from Funtime remains a challenge. As the company is based in Austria, the family must secure a court order there to pursue the damages.
Safety Reforms Following the Incident
The ride has since been dismantled, and in May 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Tyre Sampson Act, aimed at strengthening safety regulations for amusement park attractions. Tyre’s family is also advocating for industry-wide reforms to introduce stricter oversight and safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This landmark verdict not only seeks justice for Tyre but also sends a powerful message to corporations about prioritizing safety over profits, ensuring that such tragedies are avoided in the future.
