$310 Million Awarded to Family of Teen Killed on Orlando Ride After Park Modified Safety Restraints
A Florida jury awarded Tyre Sampson’s parents $310 million—$155 million each—in a negligence lawsuit against the Austrian manufacturer, Funtime, of the Orlando Free Fall ride. The verdict follows the 14-year-old’s fatal fall from the ride in March 2022, caused by a malfunctioning harness exacerbated by his size. Funtime, which did not participate in the trial, is responsible for the significant damages, though collection may require further legal action in Austria. The ride, lacking seatbelts and deemed unsafe after the accident, has been demolished.
John Q. Hosedrinker