Funtime Handels GmbH. is the Austrian manufacturer the jury held liable for faulty construction of the ride, the Orlando FreeFall.
“This verdict is a step forward in holding corporations accountable for the safety of their products,” said Ben Crump, an attorney for teh family. “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.”
Sampson’s father, Yarnell, tearfully spoke to reporters about his feelings after the Dec. 5 verdict.
“Ain’t no money going to solve this problem,” he said. “It won’t solve it; it’ll put a band-aid on it, maybe. But every day I wake up, and I still can’t see him.”
After Sampson’s death, Icon Park decided to permanently close FreeFall.
“We are devastated by Tyre’s death. We have listened to the wishes of Tyre’s family and the community and have made the decision to take down the FreeFall,” said an Icon Park representative.
The ride’s manufacturer did not send a representative to court, NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando reported. No attorney was listed in court records.
Source: Black Enterprise
