Family of 14-year-old killed in fall from Florida ride awarded $310m by jury

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Work crews assemble the cranes that will be used to dismantle the Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in Orlando A lawsuit filed by the family claims the ride did not have seatbelts and adding them would’ve cost the manufacturer $22 per seat. open image in gallery Sampson’s parents embrace after the jury awarded them millions of dollars following their son’s death Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, representing the families, called the verdict a “step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products.” “The jury’s decision confirms what we have long argued: Tyre’s death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits,” he said. “The ride’s manufacturers neglected their duty to protect passengers, and today’s outcome ensures they face the consequences of those decisions.” He wants the case to serve as a “wake-up call” for the theme park industry and is calling for stricter safety measures and oversight to prevent similar tragedies. “Tyre’s legacy will be a safer future for riders everywhere.” Sampson’s death led to a new Florida law called the Tyre Sampson Act.