Florida Jury Grants $310 Million to Family of Teenager Fatalty Resulting from Orlando Amusement Park's "Slingshot" Attraction

In a landmark decision, a Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy from Missouri who tragically lost his life at Icon Park in Orlando. The young boy died after being ejected from the Orlando Slingshot ride in 2022.

The lawsuit, which highlighted glaring safety oversights, including the absence of seat belts on the Orlando Slingshot, pointed towards the manufacturers, Funtime, for negligence. The jury's decision confirmed that Tyre's death was due to blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits.

Icon Park, where the accident occurred, had previously settled with Sampson's family for an undisclosed amount. However, the defendant in the case, Funtime, was ordered to pay $310 million. The award will be split equally between Tyre's mother and father.

The "Orlando Slingshot" involved in Tyre Sampson's fatal accident was manufactured by a company called Zamperla. The family's lawyers hope that Tyre's legacy will result in a safer future for riders everywhere.

In May 2024, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis approved the "Tyre Sampson Act," enhancing safety requirements for amusement park attractions. The act aims to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

However, Tyre's family is likely to face further obstacles before obtaining damages. As Funtime is based in Austria, they must ask an Austrian court to enforce the $310 million award.

Attorneys for Tyre Sampson's family argued that the manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers. They stated that the case should serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry. The family's lawyers also expressed their hope that Tyre's legacy will result in a safer future for riders everywhere.

The Orlando Slingshot has been disassembled following the tragic incident. Sampson's death was due to him slipping from the ride because the safety brace or harness did not fit and was not properly secured. The ride did not have seat belts, a safety enhancement that could have cost $660 in total.

Tyre Sampson exceeded the ride's weight limit of 285 pounds. The young boy was on a spring break trip when the unfortunate incident occurred.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in amusement parks and the consequences of neglecting them. The family's fight for justice and safety continues, and their efforts are a testament to Tyre's memory.

Florida Jury Grants $310 Million to Family of Teenager Fatalty Resulting from Orlando Amusement Park's "Slingshot" Attraction