Florida - In December 2024, Austrian amusement ride manufacturer Funtime was ordered by a U.S. court to pay $310 million in damages following a fatal incident involving the Orlando Free Fall ride at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. The accident, which occurred in March 2022, resulted in the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who fell from the 130-meter (approximately 430 feet) drop tower attraction.
Incident Overview
The Orlando Free Fall, a drop tower ride designed and manufactured by Funtime, opened in December 2021 at ICON Park. On March 24, 2022, Tyre Sampson, who exceeded the ride’s weight limit of 130 kilograms (approximately 287 pounds) by weighing 174 kilograms (approximately 383 pounds), was ejected from his seat during the ride’s descent, falling over 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) to the ground. Investigations revealed that the ride’s safety harness had been manually adjusted to accommodate larger riders, compromising its effectiveness.
Legal Proceedings and Judgment
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Funtime was found liable for negligence due to the ride’s safety design and the lack of secondary restraints, such as seat belts, which could have prevented the accident. The court ordered Funtime to pay $310 million in damages to Sampson’s family. However, Funtime has contested the judgment, stating that the modifications to the ride’s safety system were made without their knowledge or consent after the ride’s installation. The company argues that, under Austrian law, the U.S. court’s judgment is not enforceable, and they do not acknowledge liability for the incident.
Industry Implications
This case has raised significant concerns within the amusement ride industry regarding ride safety standards, manufacturer liability, and the enforcement of international legal judgments. The incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to manufacturer specifications and the potential consequences of unauthorized modifications to ride safety systems. It also highlights the complexities involved when legal judgments cross international borders, particularly concerning enforcement and compliance.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of now, Funtime has indicated that it does not intend to comply with the U.S. court’s judgment, citing the lack of enforceability under Austrian law and denying responsibility for the accident. This stance leaves the victim’s family without the awarded compensation and raises questions about the avenues available for enforcing such judgments across international jurisdictions. The case continues to be a focal point for discussions on improving safety protocols and ensuring accountability within the global amusement ride industry.
The Orlando Free Fall ride was dismantled following the accident, and ICON Park has faced scrutiny over its safety practices and ride oversight. The broader industry is likely to see increased regulatory attention and a reevaluation of safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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