A Heartbreaking Incident
In March 2022, Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old teenager, tragically lost his life after falling from the FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Tyre succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family devastated. The accident occurred after Tyre, who was over 100 pounds above the ride’s weight limit, slipped out of his safety harness as the ride dropped from a height of 100 feet.
Safety Concerns Revealed
Reports from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) revealed serious safety concerns. It was found that Tyre’s harness sensor had been “manually loosened, adjusted, and tightened,” creating a dangerous gap of nearly seven inches. These adjustments are believed to have contributed to the accident.
Lawsuit and Settlement
Tyre’s parents, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, filed a lawsuit against ICON Park and the ride manufacturer, Funtime. The lawsuit argued that the ride’s safety restraints were inadequate. Unlike other similar rides that use both shoulder harnesses and seatbelts, this ride only had an over-the-shoulder harness to secure riders.
On December 5, the family was awarded a $310 million settlement. Each parent will receive $155 million. Family attorneys Ben Crump and Natalie Jackson expressed that the verdict was a step forward in holding companies accountable for safety, highlighting that Tyre’s death was due to negligence.
ICON Park’s Response
ICON Park expressed sorrow over the incident and assured the public that they were cooperating with authorities. Their statement at the time emphasized their commitment to providing a safe environment for visitors.
This settlement serves as a reminder of the importance of proper safety measures and accountability in amusement parks.
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