A Florida jury has ordered a $300M Orlando ride settlement to the family of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old boy who tragically fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park in 2022. The massive judgment targets Funtime Handels GMBH, the Austrian manufacturer of the ride, for negligence and failure to ensure passenger safety.
What Happened to Tyre Sampson ICON Park in Orlando?
Tyre was visiting ICON Park in Orlando during spring break with his football team when he boarded the FreeFall drop tower ride. He weighed 43kg (94 pounds) over the ride’s 129kg (285 pounds) weight limit. Tragically, the ride had no seat belts, and after falling 98 feet (30 meters), Tyre was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital, where he passed away due to his injuries.
Investigators revealed several critical failures:
Tyre was not properly secured in the seat.
The ride’s harness sensor was manually adjusted to fit larger riders.
The ride’s electronic safety systems were bypassed, falsely indicating Tyre was safely locked in.
Jury Verdict of $300M Orlando ride settlement to Family of Teen
Following the incident, Tyre’s parents filed a civil suit in March 2022. In 2024, the jury concluded that the ride manufacturer’s gross negligence directly led to Tyre’s death and awarded $300 million in damages, split equally between his mother and father. The Jury Verdict of $300M Orlando ride settlement to Family of Teen was an immense amount of money but not enough to bring Tyre home alive.
Funtime Handels GMBH was the ride manufacturer,. They did not appear in court nor did they provide legal representation from a law firm.
Previously, Tyre’s parents had reached undisclosed settlements with the ride’s operator, Eagle Drop Slingshot, and the venue, ICON Park.
Tyre’s Legacy and the $300M Orlando ride settlement
Tyre’s story sparked a wave of safety reforms in Florida. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Tyre Sampson Act, a law requiring:
Mandatory seat belts and harnesses on all rides over 100 feet.
Stricter ride inspection protocols.
Clearer rider weight and height restrictions.
The Orlando FreeFall ride was of course permanently shut down and dismantled following the incident.
A Family’s Mission to Remember
Tyre’s family continues to honor his life and legacy. In Illinois, they opened Tyre’s Snack Shop, a community-focused store dedicated to his memory. They are also advocating for a permanent memorial to be placed near the original site of the accident.
Attorney Ben Crump made a statement about accountability of amusement parks for accidents.
Need Legal Help After a Tragic Amusement Park Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a theme park or product safety failure, consulting an experienced amusement park accident attorney is crucial. Here are three reputable legal firms that specialize in personal injury and wrongful death cases:
Phone: (800) 935-8111
Known for high-profile civil rights and injury cases, including representing Tyre Sampson’s family.
Phone: (888) 465-7421
One of the largest personal injury law firms in the U.S., handling amusement park and wrongful death cases.
Phone: (407) 839-0866
Florida-based firm specializing in defective products and serious injury claims, including theme park-related incidents.