Default Judgment Awarded After Austrian Company’s Court Absence
An Orange County jury ordered Funtime Handels to pay $310 million in damages to the family of Tyre Sampson, who fell to his death from the FreeFall drop tower at Orlando’s ICON Park on March 24, 2022. The December 6 verdict represents one of the largest damages awards in amusement park accident history. Sampson’s parents, Nekia Dodd, and Yarnell Sampson, filed the lawsuit after investigators discovered unauthorized modifications to the ride’s restraint system. The FreeFall tower, which stood 430 feet tall and was marketed as the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower, never reopened and was dismantled in 2023.
5 Key Points
- Austrian manufacturer Funtime Handels must pay $310 million in compensatory damages.
- State investigators documented unauthorized seat modifications that compromised rider safety.
- The 14-year-old victim exceeded the ride’s weight limit by approximately 100 pounds.
- The FreeFall tower operated for less than six months before the fatal accident.
- ICON Park and ride operator Slingshot Group reached separate settlements with the family.
Ride’s Short History Marked by Safety Violations
The FreeFall tower opened in December 2021 as ICON Park’s newest attraction, promising thrill-seekers a 75-mph descent. State records show the ride passed its initial inspection, but investigators later discovered the seats had been modified after installation. The alterations increased the gap between the rider and the safety harness from 3 inches to as much as 7 inches at specific points. Former ride operator Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot LLC surrendered its operating permit after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services found employees had adjusted the proximity sensors on two seats.
Legal Battle Highlights International Jurisdiction Challenges
The $310 million verdict came after Funtime Handels repeatedly failed to respond to court summons. The Austrian company’s only direct involvement came during an initial post-accident inspection in April 2022. Legal experts note that collecting the judgment may prove challenging due to international jurisdiction issues. The family’s attorneys have initiated proceedings to enforce the judgment in Austrian courts, where Funtime Handels maintains its primary business operations.
Safety Reforms Follow Industry-Wide Review
Florida legislators passed the “Tyre Sampson Act” in 2023, requiring enhanced safety protocols for amusement rides. The law mandates more frequent inspections, comprehensive employee training programs, and detailed documentation of any modifications to ride safety systems. ICON Park implemented new weight restriction verification procedures across all its attractions. Dollywood’s decision to temporarily close its Funtime Handels drop tower prompted similar reviews at parks across North America, resulting in updated safety protocols for comparable attractions.
Industry Response Reshapes Training Requirements
The accident sparked changes beyond individual ride safety. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) revised its recommended training guidelines for ride operators. The new standards emphasize weight limit enforcement and prohibit unauthorized modifications to safety restraints. In response to the incident, Six Flags parks nationwide implemented digital weight verification systems for their drop tower attractions.
FAQ
Q: How tall was the FreeFall tower?
A: The FreeFall tower stood 430 feet tall and was marketed as the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower.
Q: When did the ride first open?
A: The FreeFall tower opened in December 2021, operating for less than six months before the fatal accident.
Q: What specific safety violations were found?
A: Investigators discovered unauthorized modifications to seat proximity sensors and safety restraints that increased the gap between riders and harnesses from 3 to 7 inches.
Q: What changes resulted from this accident?
A: Florida passed the “Tyre Sampson Act,” which requires enhanced safety protocols, while IAAPA revised industry-wide training guidelines.
Q: How will the $310 million judgment be collected?
A: The family’s attorneys are working to enforce the judgment through Austrian courts, where Funtime Handels is based.
Citations
Libbey, D. (December 6, 2024). After Teen Died In Florida Amusement Park Accident, The Manufacturer Is Paying Out A Stunning Amount Of Money. CinemaBlend. https://www.cinemablend.com/theme-parks/after-teen-died-florida-amusement-park-accident-manufacturer-paying-out-stunning-amount-money
