Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Fall From Ferris Wheel

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the parents of an 11-year-old girl who fell to her death from a ferris wheel in New Jersey. 

The amusement park lawsuit was filed last week in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court by Byron and Twanda Jones against Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks.

According to allegations raised in the complaint, the couple’s daughter, Abiah, fell to her death on June 3, while riding the Giant Wheel at Morey’s Mariner’s Landing Pier in Wildwood, New Jersey. The lawsuit claims that the amusement park was negligent in allowing the Ferris wheel to operate in high wind conditions.

Abiah was at the park during an outing for honor roll students when she fell out of the ride from a height of about 150 feet. It has been unclear to state investigators how she managed to fall from the ride.

The Giant Wheel was shut down temporarily after the accident, and reopened June 18, following the state investigation. According to a press release issued by the amusement park, operators will enact state recommendations of a minimum of two passengers per gondola, and will also increase the minimum height to ride without an adult from 54 inches to 60 inches. Park officials stated that, currently, anyone under 10 will have to be accompanied by an adult. The company has refused to comment on the lawsuit.

The Ferris wheel lawsuit filed by Abiah’s parents alleges that the amusement park was negligent for allowing the 11 year-old girl on the ride alone. The lawsuit also claims that high winds, a lack of adequate restraints, and a failure to properly warn Abiah of the ride’s dangers all contributed to her death. State officials found that the restraints appeared to be in working order.