$310M Verdict in Tyre Sampson Wrongful Death
Table of Contents
Case Background
On May 13, 2022, Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson, co-personal representatives of Tyre Sampson’s estate, brought a wrongful death action in the Circuit Court of the 9th Judicial Circuit, Orange County, Florida, Case No. 2022-CA-003570-0. The case stemmed from a fatal accident on the Free Fall ride at Icon Park in Orlando. The ride, owned and operated by Orlando Eagle Drop LLC, was the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower at 430 feet.
Cause
On March 24, 2022, Tyre Sampson was ejected from the Free Fall ride during its descent. The ride tilted forward 30 degrees and dropped several hundred feet at over 75 mph, creating a g-force of around 4 on stopping. The only restraint was an over-the-shoulder harness. Plaintiffs alleged that a seatbelt costing $22 per seat could have prevented the tragedy. They also sought to correct a party’s legal name in the complaint.
Injury
Tyre Sampson died from injuries sustained during the fall.
Damages
The plaintiffs sought damages exceeding $30,000 under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. They claimed losses including earnings, medical and funeral expenses, net accumulations of the estate, and mental pain and suffering.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiffs: Nekia Dodd | Yarnell Sampson
Counsel for Plaintiffs: Natalie Jackson
Defendants: Funtime Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H | ADP & Associates Professional Inspections Inc | Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH | Gregory S. Hurd
Counsel for Defendants: Arnd von Waldow (for Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH) | Michael Brand (for Gregory S. Hurd)
Claims
The defendants included Funtime Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H., Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH, Gregory S. Hurd, and ADP & Associates Professional Inspections, Inc. Plaintiffs alleged negligence against manufacturers for failing to warn of risks, failing to set proper height and weight limits, and failing to provide adequate safety equipment. They also alleged improper alteration of proximity sensors. Gregory S. Hurd was accused of failing to properly inspect and warn of dangers. ADP & Associates was accused of negligent inspection and failure to meet safety standards.
Defense
Orlando Eagle Drop Slingshot, LLC, Extreme Amusement Rides, LLC, Orlando Slingshot, LLC, and High Rides, LLC admitted certain facts, including that Tyre Sampson fell from the 430-foot Orlando FreeFall ride on March 24 and died from his injuries. They acknowledged the ride’s tilting seats, over-the-shoulder harnesses, potential 4 g’s of force, the absence of posted maximum height or weight restrictions, and that Sampson was allowed to ride.
They denied all other allegations and asserted multiple affirmative defenses. These included that they bore no strict liability because they neither designed nor manufactured the ride, any hazards were open and obvious, and their conduct was not the proximate cause. They argued the ride met regulatory and “state of the art” standards, plaintiffs failed to mitigate damages, and any recovery should be reduced by comparative fault or setoffs from collateral sources. They also claimed negligence by Sampson or his custodians and objected to improper joinder of defendants. A jury trial was demanded.
Jury Verdict
On December 5, 2024, the Circuit Court of Orange County, Florida, awarded a total of $310 million in the wrongful death case of Tyree Sampson against “Funtime” Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. The jury granted Nekia Dodd and Yarnell Sampson $30 million each for past and future pain and suffering, plus $125 million each for future medical and funeral expenses, reflecting the significant impact of Tyree’s death on his parents.