Jurors in Florida grant compensation of $310 million to the family of a teenager deceased due to the malfunction of Orlando's amusement park's "Slingshot" attraction.
Headline: Florida Jury Awards $310 Million to Family of Tyre Sampson, Victim of Orlando Slingshot Tragedy
In a landmark decision, an Orange County jury has ordered Funtime, the manufacturer of the Orlando Slingshot, to pay $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson. The 14-year-old boy from Missouri tragically lost his life on the ride at Icon Park in Florida during a spring break trip in 2022.
Tyre Sampson died as a result of fatal internal injuries sustained in the accident. According to his family's lawyers, the boy exceeded the ride's 285-pound weight limit, and the Orlando Slingshot, which lacked seatbelts, did not have adequate safety precautions. The safety brace or harness did not fit around Tyre, and it was never properly secured.
The jury's decision ensures that the manufacturers face consequences for their actions. The lawyers argue that Funtime neglected their duty to protect passengers, and Tyre's death was a result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety.
The "Tyre Sampson Act," approved by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May 2024, aims to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The Act enhances safety requirements for amusement park attractions.
Tyre's family will need to ask an Austrian court to enforce the awarded damages, as Funtime is based in Austria. However, the family's lawyers hope the case serves as a call for the industry to implement stricter safety measures.
Icon Park, where the ride was located, has already settled with Sampson's family for an undisclosed amount. The Orlando Slingshot has been disassembled.
Tyre's legacy is hoped to result in a safer future for riders everywhere. The family's lawyers stated that the case should serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry. They believe that Tyre's death could have been prevented with proper safety measures and regulations.
The award will be split equally between Tyre's mother and father. The family's lawyers expressed their gratitude for the jury's decision, stating that it brings a sense of justice for Tyre and his loved ones. They also expressed their hope that Tyre's story will inspire change in the amusement park industry, ensuring a safer environment for all riders.
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