$310 Million Verdict in Deadly Amusement Park Ride Case
Family Says Justice Served for Teenager’s Tragic Death
In a landmark case, a Florida jury has awarded $310 million to the family of Tyre Sampson, a Missouri teenager who tragically lost his life on a free-fall ride at a popular amusement park more than two years ago. The verdict, announced after a swift hour of deliberation in an Orange County courtroom, held the Austrian ride manufacturer, Funtime Handels GmbH, accountable for the 14-year-old’s death.
“This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations responsible for the safety of their products,” family attorney Ben Crump said in a statement. “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.”
The company did not send a representative to court, and no attorney was listed in court records. A company spokesperson had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
A Ride Gone Wrong: The Details of the Tragic Incident
Tyre Sampson was on spring break with his football team in Orlando when tragedy struck. While enjoying his time at ICON Park, he decided to ride the FreeFall, a thrilling 430-foot drop tower.
Tragically, Tyre, who weighed 383 pounds, nearly 100 pounds above the ride’s 285-pound limit, slipped from his seat during the descent. The ride, which lacked seatbelts, sent him plunging at least 100 feet to the ground.
The incident sparked national outrage, raising serious questions about amusement park safety regulations and the responsibility of ride manufacturers.
Justice and Accountability: A Long Road to Resolution
Tyre’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Funtime Handels GmbH, ICON Park, and Eagle Drop Slingshot, the ride’s owner, just one month after the devastating accident. The damages, split evenly between Tyre’s mother and father, are a significant victory for the family, who have long sought justice for their son.
Last year, the family reached a separate settlement with ICON Park and Eagle Drop Slingshot. The terms of that settlement remain undisclosed.
A Legacy of Change: The Tyre Sampson Act
The FreeFall ride has since been dismantled. Tyre’s tragic death also prompted legislative action in Florida. In May 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Tyre Sampson Act into law.
This act aims to strengthen safety standards for amusement park rides throughout the state, implementing stricter regulations on ride inspections, maintenance, and operator training.
While no amount of compensation can ever truly bring Tyre back, the act serves as a powerful testament to his memory, helping to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
What message does Ben Crump hope this case sends to amusement park operators and ride manufacturers?
## $310 Million Verdict: Justice for Tyre Sampson
**Host:** Joining us today is renowned civil rights attorney, Ben Crump, who represented the family of Tyre Sampson in the landmark case against Funtime Handels GmbH. Ben, thanks for being here.
**Ben Crump:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This was a deeply tragic case. Can you remind our viewers what happened?
**Ben Crump:** Over two years ago, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson from Missouri visited ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, excited to ride the Orlando FreeFall. Tragically, he fell to his death from the ride due to what we believe was blatant negligence on the part of the ride manufacturer, Funtime Handels GmbH.
**Host:** The jury agreed with your assessment, awarding the Sampson family $310 million. What does this verdict mean for them?
**Ben Crump:** This verdict is a tremendous victory for the Sampson family. It brings a measure of justice for Tyre and holds Funtime Handels GmbH accountable for their failure to prioritize safety. While no amount of money can bring Tyre back, this verdict sends a powerful message that corporations cannot cut corners when it comes to the safety of their products. [[1](https://www.hilliard-law.com/blog/2024/december/record-310-million-verdict-secured-in-tire-samps/)]
**Host:** Funtime Handels GmbH did not send a representative to court. What is your reaction to that?
**Ben Crump:** Their absence speaks volumes. It demonstrates a disturbing lack of accountability and remorse. We hope this verdict will force them to take a hard look at their safety standards and make necessary changes to prevent another tragedy like this from happening.
**Host:** This case has garnered national attention. What message do you hope it sends?
**Ben Crump:** We hope this case serves as a wake-up call for all amusement park operators and ride manufacturers. Safety must be their top priority. This verdict underscores the importance of holding corporations accountable when they fail to protect the public.
**Host:** Ben Crump, thank you for your time and for fighting for justice for Tyre Sampson.
