Family of 6-year-old killed in go-karting accident at Florida Urban Air files wrongful death lawsuit

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WFLA) — The family of a 6-year-old who was killed in a go-kart accident at Urban Air in Port St. Lucie has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company. In December, 6-year-old Emma Riddle visited Port. St. Lucie's Urban Air facility with her mother and sister. During the visit, they went on the electric go-kart ride, with Emma sitting in a double-seat go-kart with her mother while her older sister rode a single-rider go-kart. According to the complaint, multiple safety protocols were ignored that led to the go-kart with Emma and her mom accelerating to a high speed and crashing into the track wall. As a result of the crash, Emma suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital where she later died. A release by law firm Morgan & Morgan, which is representing the family, alleges that Urban Air created the dangerous conditions contributing to her death. The release also said that following Emma's death, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted investigations of the go-kart attraction during which they found multiple violations of Florida's amusement ride safety laws. The FDACS report and the complaint state that the established speed settings for the go-karts were calibrated for adult riders, not children. The lawsuit also alleges that the posted height-requirement signs were inconsistent with the ride manufacturer's safety standards and failed to mention the minimum age recommendation. The product manual for the manufacturer suggested that riders be at least 60 inches tall and 18 years of age, which Emma did not meet, yet she was permitted to ride. “Emma Riddle was a bright, beautiful 6-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short,” said Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan. “What was meant to be a joyful family outing became every family’s worst nightmare. Urban Air has a duty to protect every child that walks through their doors, and we allege that they failed Emma in the most devastating way imaginable. Our firm will stop at nothing to hold Urban Air accountable for this tragedy and make sure no other family has to endure this kind of loss.” A copy of the full complaint can be viewed below: