The trial seeking justice for the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who tragically fell from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park last year, commenced today in Orange County. WESH reported that jury selection has begun, setting the stage for what promises to be a deeply scrutinized legal battle against Funtime Handels, the Austrian manufacturer of the drop tower.
In March of 2022, Sampson was visiting Orlando on a spring break trip when he fell more than 400 feet from the FreeFall ride, which resulted in his death. A key point in the case is the allegation that adjustments had been made to the ride's seats to accommodate Tyre's larger size, which is nearly 100 lbs over the recommended limit. However, these weight restrictions were not posted for riders. Sampson's parents are represented by the Haggard Law Firm, whose attorney, Michael Haggard, previously suggested that this incident resulted from a "calamity of errors, and mistakes and negligence" that stretched from Europe to Orlando, as reported by WESH.
The lawsuit, which references negligence, holds that Funtime Handels and Gerstlauer Amusement Rides did not ensure the sufficient safety of the FreeFall drop tower, inadequately warned about height and weight limitations, and provided improper restraints. Following the incident, the state imposed a $250,000 fine on the ride's owner, leading to its eventual dismantling in March of the following year. ICON Park had previously settled lawsuits concerning Sampson's death.
According to a FOX 35 Orlando report, Sampson's parents, in the wake of their son's death, have pushed for and successfully to see the passing of the "Tyre Sampson Act", aimed at tightening safety regulations on amusement rides in Florida.
