'Safety protocols ignored': 6-year-old girl killed when she slammed go-kart into wall at adventure park, lawsuit says

The family of a 6-year-old girl is suing a Florida adventure park, claiming the attraction never should have allowed her to be behind the wheel of a go-kart before she crashed into a wall and died.

Emma Riddle died in December after the go-kart crash at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Port St. Lucie. The suit, filed Monday by Morgan & Morgan in Broward County Circuit Court, alleges the park was negligent and there were several "safety protocols ignored."

"Emma Riddle was a bright, beautiful 6-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short," Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan said in a statement. "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."

According to the suit, Emma was celebrating her older sister's birthday at the park the night of Dec. 6. The family wanted to ride the go-karts, but the employee said the person who operated the track had gone home for the night.

However, the employee decided to reopen the ride and operate the track on his own, the suit said. The plantiff's lawyers say two people are required to operate the track. One employee monitors the track and looks out for any hazards, while the other screens riders to make sure they are eligible to drive.

The employee allowed Emma to drive, but she was nearly a foot too short and 12 years too young to do so, based on the manufacturer's requirements for the two-person go-kart, the suit alleges. Plaintiffs also say that the signage at the park about the requirements was "inaccurate."

Emma's mom, who was riding with Emma in the passenger seat, also was unable to place the seat belt across them, per the suit. Despite this, the employee allegedly allowed Emma and four other riders to start driving on the track.

According to track requirements, the ride operator is supposed to let drivers acclimate themselves to driving for about a minute at 3 mph. However, the operator allegedly skipped this step and allowed the karts to reach their top speeds of 10 mph immediately.

Emma sideswiped a barrier wall and slammed into another wall, propelling herself into the steering wheel. Paramedics rushed Emma to the hospital, where she died from blunt-force trauma.

"The evidence in this case is deeply troubling," said Morgan & Morgan attorney Thomas Hasty. "Our lawsuit alleges that Urban Air's decisions, in contrast to state laws, manufacturer recommendations, and their own internal policies, led to the dangerous conditions that cost Emma her life. Emma deserved better, and her family deserves accountability and assurances that Urban Air will never put another child at risk in this way again."

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According to local NBC affiliate WPTV, Urban Air agreed to pay the state $300,000 in fines for safety lapses.

Brenda Horrutinier, Emma's mom, said in a GoFundMe that her daughter "touched every soul she met."

"Though her time with us was far too short, Emma filled every moment with laughter, compassion, and warmth," the description said. "She will forever remain a precious daughter, sister, friend, and a cherished gift from God."

Urban Air could not be reached for comment.

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