PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — A 6-year-old girl, Emma Riddle of Fort Pierce, died after suffering severe injuries in a go-kart accident at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park on December 6. The incident occurred during a family visit to the indoor amusement facility, where authorities say a go-kart began moving erratically and crashed into a track wall. WPEC
Port St. Lucie Police Department responded to 911 calls shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday night. Emma was airlifted to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where she later died from her injuries on Sunday. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm
At this time, investigators have not publicly confirmed whether any specific safety violations or mechanical defects caused the accident. Representatives of Urban Air have not released detailed statements regarding the investigation, though they say they are cooperating with authorities.
Details from Family and Community Responses
According to statements from attorneys representing Emma’s family, the go-kart involved in the crash exhibited braking and acceleration issues moments before the accident. The family alleges that several go-karts at the facility may have had mechanical failures, and that Emma’s kart behaved erratically prior to impact.
Local coverage also notes that Emma was at Urban Air celebrating her sister’s birthday when the crash occurred, and that friends, family, and community members have gathered to honor her life and memory. WPEC
Trampoline and Adventure Parks Present Significant Safety Risks
Urban Air and similar parks often advertise themselves as safe, family-friendly entertainment destinations. However, the rapid evolution of these facilities has not always been matched by consistent safety oversight, and serious injuries — including go-kart crashes, falls, and collisions — have occurred at attractions nationwide.
Past incidents, like a 2019 case in which a 10-year-old at an Urban Air in Lakeland, Florida fell more than 20 feet from a zip-line ride due to a harness not being secured properly, highlight the broader safety concerns that can arise when equipment fails or supervision lapses.
These accidents can stem from a range of issues, including:
-
Staff who lack proper training
-
Equipment that parks do not maintain regularly
-
Safety mechanisms that malfunction
-
Attractions that allow overcrowding
-
Inadequate supervision of young children
Experts continue to warn that environments like trampoline and amusement parks can carry elevated risk, especially for small children, unless robust safety protocols are continually enforced.
Investigators Will Examine How This Happened
When a child dies or suffers serious injury on commercial premises, authorities and legal experts typically look at several core questions:
-
Did the equipment function properly and as intended?
-
Did staff follow required safety procedures before and during the ride?
-
Was the child properly secured and supervised?
-
Were required inspections and maintenance up to date?
-
Did the facility respond appropriately after the incident?
If investigators find that negligence, defective equipment, or insufficient safety measures contributed to the crash, the park — and potentially manufacturers or operators — may be held legally accountable.
If You’re Searching for Answers After a Tragedy, GOLDLAW Is Ready to Stand With You
When a family experiences a severe injury or fatality at a place meant for fun and safety, it can be overwhelming to navigate complicated legal and insurance systems on your own. If your child was injured in an amusement park incident — whether due to a go-kart crash, ride malfunction, or other hazardous condition — you may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, trauma, and other losses.
Our attorneys will listen, guide you, and work to protect your family’s rights.
Reach us at 561-222-2222 or email NewCase@GOLDLAW.com.
We can’t undo what happened — but we can fight to protect your family’s rights and help you get the answers you deserve.
