The parents of a six-year-old girl who tragically died following a go-kart accident at an adventure park in Florida are pursuing legal action against the establishment. The wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Urban Air Adventure Park and its parent company, Unleashed Brands, in connection with the incident that occurred on December 6, 2022.
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On that day, responders received emergency calls reporting a child injured in a go-kart mishap. According to audio from the 911 call released by the Port St. Lucie Police, the situation was dire, with the caller indicating that the child was alive but required immediate medical assistance. The victim, later identified as Emma Riddle, was airlifted to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries the following day.
In the aftermath of the accident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Emma’s family. Seven months later, her parents, Steve Riddle Jr. and Brenda Horrutinier Montelie, have taken legal recourse, asserting that Urban Air’s negligence directly contributed to their daughter’s death. They claim that on the day of the accident, the family visited the park to celebrate the birthday of Emma’s older sister.
As the family approached the go-kart track, they were informed by a staff member that the attraction was closed due to the departure of the regular supervisor. However, despite the absence of proper supervision, the employee allegedly chose to reopen the ride without adhering to safety protocols. This decision has become a focal point in the family’s lawsuit.
The legal complaint further alleges that the employee not only neglected to check whether Emma met the necessary height and age requirements for the ride but also failed to provide any safety instructions. Manufacturer guidelines indicate that riders should be at least 12 years old and 11 inches taller than Emma, raising serious questions about the park’s adherence to safety regulations.
Reports suggest that during the ride, Emma was at the controls of the go-kart, with her mother seated beside her. Witness accounts indicate that the go-kart accelerated rapidly before crashing into a wall. The lawsuit describes the harrowing moment when Emma’s vehicle collided with the track’s barrier, resulting in her being thrown violently against the steering wheel, inflicting fatal injuries.
Subsequent investigations by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services uncovered significant safety violations at the park, specifically identifying at least eight breaches of state laws and regulations. Following these findings, authorities issued a cease-and-desist order, halting operations at the go-kart track.
John Morgan, the family’s attorney and founder of the law firm Morgan & Morgan, emphasised the profound loss experienced by Emma’s family. “Emma Riddle was a bright, beautiful six-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short,” he stated. He articulated the family’s claim that Urban Air failed in its responsibility to ensure a safe environment for children, turning what was intended to be a joyous occasion into a devastating tragedy.
Another attorney representing the family, Thomas Hasty, highlighted the troubling nature of the evidence in the case, asserting that Urban Air’s actions directly contradicted state laws, manufacturing guidelines, and the company’s own internal safety protocols. “Emma deserved better, and her family deserves accountability and assurances that Urban Air will never put another child at risk in this way again,” Hasty remarked.
The family is now seeking a jury trial and pursuing damages exceeding £50,000 for their loss. Attempts to contact representatives of Urban Air Adventure Parks for a statement regarding the lawsuit have so far been unsuccessful.
This case raises significant concerns regarding the adherence to safety regulations within amusement parks, as families expect such venues to prioritise the well-being of their guests, particularly children. As this legal battle unfolds, the Riddle family hopes to achieve justice for Emma while highlighting the critical importance of safety in recreational environments.