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Google PlayThe family of the 14-year-old boy who died in March after falling from a ride at an amusement park in Florida has filed a lawsuit against several defendants, USA Today reports.
The family of Tyre Sampson, who fell to his death while on the Orlando FreeFall drop tower at Orlando’s ICON Park, is suing a group of defendants that includes ICON Park; the Slingshot Group, which operates the Orlando FreeFall ride; FreeFall’s manufacturer, Funtime Handels; and Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, a Germany-based manufacturer of the ride’s seats and harnesses.
The lawsuit, which was filed Monday in the Circuit Court of Orange County, claims the ride was “unreasonably dangerous,” and alleges “negligence” and “strict liability” against all defendants. Sampson’s family is seeking in excess of $30,000 in damages under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act.
“The defendants in Tyre’s case showed negligence in a multitude of ways,” family attorney Ben Crump said in a statement. “From the ride and seat manufacturers and the installer to the owners and operators, the defendants had more than enough chances to enact safeguards, such as seatbelts, that could have prevented Tyre’s death. They didn’t, and their poor decisions resulted in deadly consequences for a promising young man and lifelong pain for his family.”
The news comes on the heels of an accident report released last week, which found that Sampson’s tragic death occurred after the FreeFall ride had been rendered “unsafe” due to manual adjustments. As previously reported, the St. Louis, Missouri teen died due to injuries sustained in the fall. According to the park, the Orlando FreeFall ride stands at 430 feet in height, making it “the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.”
Back in March, a rep for the Slingshot group told Complex on Friday they were “heartbroken” by the news of Sampson’s death.
“We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” the rep said. “We are working with the Sheriff’s Office and ride officials on a full investigation. The Orlando FreeFall will be closed until further notice.”
