Austrian firm owes $310M for teen's tragic fall at Orlando park
An Austrian amusement ride equipment manufacturer will have to pay substantial compensation for the death of a teenager. This follows a court ruling in the USA, which found the Tyrolean company liable for the 14-year-old's death. The boy died in an accident on a free-fall tower at an American amusement park.
In March 2022, a tragic incident occurred at "ICON Park" in Orlando, Florida. A 14-year-old fell from a free-fall tower. This ride simulates a sudden drop from a great height. The ride reaches speeds of about 75 mph, and the tower's height in the USA is 430 feet.
Just moments before his tragic death, the boy reportedly told a friend, "if I don't survive, tell my mom and dad that I love them very much." Shortly after, he was ejected from his seat.
The teenager fell from a height of about 100 feet and struck the ground. He was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, but unfortunately, his life could not be saved.
Legal proceedings against the Austrian manufacturer: massive compensation ahead
During the investigation, it was found that Tyre Sampson, the teenager, significantly exceeded the ride's weight limit. However, the boy's parents were not informed about this limit. They sued the attraction's manufacturer, the Austrian company Funtime Handels GmbH. According to the parents, their son was not provided with adequate safety measures, and gross negligence was involved.
The Florida court sided with the boy's parents. The jury awarded substantial compensation to the family, totaling 310 million dollars. No representative from the defendant's company appeared in the courtroom.
The verdict still requires confirmation from a court in Austria, which is expected to be a formality. In addition to the lawsuit against the Austrian ride manufacturer, the boy's parents have reached settlements with the amusement park and the tower's owner. However, the settlement amounts have not been disclosed.
