Two Oregon teenagers have been awarded a combined $550,000 in compensation after they were left dangling upside down on a malfunctioning amusement park ride.
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Xitlali Gomez-Salais and Evie Yannotta, who were just 13 and 14 at the time, became stranded around 100 feet in the air at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland in June 2024.
The pair were among 28 people riding the pendulum-style AtmosFEAR attraction when it suddenly stopped, leaving passengers suspended upside down.
Amusement Park Riders Awarded $550,000
Nine people filed lawsuits against the park following the terrifying incident, with reports stating that seven have since reached settlements for varying amounts.
On Wednesday, a jury awarded Gomez-Salais and Yannotta, now both 16, $275,000 each.
The teenagers had sought $2 million in damages from Oaks Amusement Park and ride manufacturer Zamperla.
During the trial, Yannotta told jurors that she feared the ride's safety harnesses could accidentally release and send them falling to the ground.
"Just the highest terror I ever felt," she said. "There's nothing like it ever in my life."
"So many people were throwing up at that point, and I thought I might throw up too."
Yannotta recalled how a teacher from another school attempted to reassure the stranded riders that everything would be okay.
However, the teenager admitted that she had serious doubts about whether they would make it home safely.
Teenagers Detail Lasting Impact of Ride Malfunction
Yannotta also emotionally recalled seeing her friend with bloodshot eyes as blood rushed toward her head while they remained suspended upside down.
"I didn't want people to see me die," she added. "It's hard to be in a position like that, where your friends are underneath you."
According to the lawsuits, both girls experienced post-traumatic stress and anxiety following the incident.
Gomez-Salais said "I carry my anxiety with me every day".
Meanwhile, Yannotta, who competes in martial arts, said injuries stemming from the incident prevented her from competing in the sport.
"They had to seek counseling, treatment, and medication. Some of them are still afraid to fly on planes," attorney Michael Fuller said.
The exact cause of the AtmosFEAR malfunction reportedly remains unclear.
However, Fuller said the amusement park had admitted fault during the legal proceedings.
