The Tragic Incident Involving a 6-Year-Old Girl
A 6-year-old girl tragically lost her life after a go-kart crash at an amusement park, sparking a legal investigation and raising concerns about safety measures. The incident has led to the involvement of a prominent law firm, which is now working with the family to uncover the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The child, Emma Riddle, was riding an electric go-kart at Urban Air Adventure Park when the accident occurred. She was taken to HCA Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce for medical care after being airlifted on Saturday night. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries the following day, according to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
A memorial service was held for Emma at Calvary Chapel in Port St. Lucie, where friends and family gathered to honor her memory. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time, as they grieve the loss of a “beautiful little girl with a bright future.”
Legal Action and Allegations of Mechanical Failures
The family has retained the Morgan & Morgan law firm, which claims that several go-karts at the park had “mechanical failures.” According to the law firm, the go-kart that Emma was riding allegedly experienced issues such as sudden acceleration and braking, as well as a lack of responsiveness to pedal inputs.
In a statement, John Morgan and attorney Thomas Hasty emphasized their commitment to finding out how the tragedy happened and what could have been done to prevent it. They noted that there has been confusion and misinformation in the media regarding the events of December 6.
The law firm also addressed the issue of seatbelts, stating that while the go-kart had a seatbelt, it was allegedly locked and inoperable. Despite this, the ride operator reportedly activated the kart and allowed it to leave the starting line.
Legal Implications and Waivers
An attorney from The Gaines Law Firm highlighted the potential liability of the amusement park operators. Even if the proprietor took all necessary precautions, they could still be held legally responsible if an injury occurs.
Gaines explained that customers are often required to sign waivers that relinquish their right to sue, even if the fault lies with the park. These waivers can limit claims related to defective products or designs. However, he noted that there are ways to challenge these waivers in court.
Emma was accompanied by her mother and sister during the visit to the amusement center. The family was expecting a safe and controlled ride around the track. Instead, the go-kart allegedly accelerated without warning and crashed into the track wall at a high speed.
Emergency Response and Park Statement
Emergency services were called to the scene at 8:51 p.m. after an employee reported a go-kart accident. A 911 call obtained by WPBF revealed that the woman involved in the crash hit her sternum hard and was incoherent, requiring immediate medical attention.
Urban Air Adventure Park has not provided detailed information about the crash but issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety. The park stated that its policies, procedures, and equipment are designed to keep children and families safe, and that the well-being of its guests is a top priority.
In an updated statement, the amusement park mentioned that it reopened on Thursday, but the ride will remain closed until further notice. The annual inspection for all attractions was conducted on June 25, according to the operator.
Support for the Family
The law firm has also shared a GoFundMe page for the family, which states that every donation will help cover essential expenses during this difficult time. The community has rallied around the Riddle family, offering support and condolences.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights the importance of safety protocols in recreational facilities and the need for thorough inspections to prevent such tragedies. The legal proceedings will likely shed more light on the circumstances of the accident and the responsibilities of the park operators.