Parents of Teen Killed in Orlando Ride Accident Awarded $310 Million

An Orange County jury has awarded $310 million to the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old who tragically fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall ride in March 2022. The ride’s Austrian manufacturer, Funtime, and Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, which designed and inspected the ride, were held liable for negligence, with each parent receiving $155 million. The lawsuit revealed failures to enforce weight restrictions and improper modifications to harnesses, enabling Tyre, who exceeded weight limits, to board the ride unsafely.

Tyre’s death sparked national outcry, leading to the dismantling of the ride and the enactment of the Tyre Sampson Act in Florida. This legislation introduced stricter safety measures for smaller attractions, requiring better documentation, training standards, and unannounced inspections. However, it exempted major parks like Disney and Universal, while simultaneously restricting public access to investigative records during active probes, a move criticized for potentially limiting transparency.

The case underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in amusement ride operations. Tyre, an honor roll student and talented athlete from St. Louis, Missouri, left behind a legacy that now serves as a call for heightened accountability in the industry.