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A Florida jury awarded $310 million to the parents of Tyre Sampson, a 14-year-old boy who tragically died in 2022 while riding the Orlando Freefall at ICON Park. The verdict, delivered Thursday in an Orange County courtroom, found Austrian-based ride manufacturer Funtime Handels liable for the defective design of the Freefall ride.

A Tragic Incident

Tyre Sampson died in March 2022 after being ejected from his seat during the ride’s descent. A state investigation revealed that his seat had been manually adjusted to accommodate his size, resulting in a fatal restraint failure. The Freefall ride, which was later dismantled, had drawn scrutiny for its safety standards following the incident.

The Trial and Verdict

The jury ruled in favor of Sampson’s parents, Nekia Todd and Yarnell Sampson, after a one-day trial. Michael A. Haggard of The Haggard Law Firm PA, representing Tyre’s mother, stated that the family pursued justice against Funtime Handels even after the company’s attorneys withdrew from the case. "Funtime Handels refused to face the Sampson family in court at the trial of this case," Haggard said. Despite participating in earlier inspections and hearings, the company did not appear for the trial.

Legal Consequences for Funtime Handels

The judgment will be recorded in Austria, where Funtime Handels is based, as part of the collection process. Haggard added that if the company continues to resist compliance, the family will seek U.S. Department of Commerce intervention to prohibit Funtime Handels from selling rides in the U.S.

Broader Implications

The verdict sends a strong message about the accountability of amusement ride manufacturers and underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols. The Sampson family’s fight for justice also highlights the challenges of pursuing legal action against international companies.

Moving Forward

With this landmark verdict, Nekia Todd and Yarnell Sampson hope to prevent similar tragedies. The case may serve as a catalyst for stricter regulations in the amusement ride industry, particularly regarding the design and safety of attractions marketed internationally.