Two teenagers have been awarded a combined $550,000 after an amusement park ride left them hanging upside down for approximately 25 minutes. A Multnomah County jury awarded Xitlali Gomez-Salais and Evie Yannotta $275,000 each on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Gomez-Salais and Yannotta were 13 and 14 when the AtmosFEAR ride malfunctioned at Oaks Amusement Park in Portland, Oregon, on June 14, 2024. They were among 28 passengers stranded approximately 50 feet above the ground.
The teenagers filed separate lawsuits that were later combined with other claims arising from the incident. Their cases were the first to reach trial, while seven other riders have reached settlements, according to KATU.
Attorney Michael Fuller said Oaks Park and ride manufacturer Zamperla admitted fault shortly before the trial began. The jury was then asked to determine the damages owed to the teenagers.
The ride stopped at its highest point
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AtmosFEAR operates like a pendulum and can swing passengers completely upside down. The ride stopped near its highest point shortly before 3 p.m., leaving the passengers inverted.
Park employees called 911 and began emergency procedures. Portland Fire & Rescue considered a high-angle rope rescue, but maintenance workers eventually lowered the ride manually. One passenger with a pre-existing medical condition was taken to a hospital as a precaution, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The teenagers reported lasting Side effects
The lawsuits alleged that passengers screamed, cried, vomited and passed out while waiting to be lowered. Both teenagers said the experience caused continuing physical and emotional problems.
Yannotta’s complaint listed abrasions, soreness, dizziness and increased blood pressure. Gomez-Salais reported chest pain, panic, weakness and insomnia. Both said they experienced post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
Oaks Park said it agreed that the ride should not have become stuck and was grateful that all passengers were safe. The park added that it would continue working with manufacturers and state inspectors to protect riders.
AtmosFEAR remains listed as an active ride
Oaks Park reopened AtmosFEAR on June 25, 2024, after saying a Zamperla inspection found no mechanical, technical, or maintenance problems. They have not explained to the public what caused the ride to stop.
The attraction remains listed on the park’s current ride guide, which lets visitors choose between an 180-degree pendulum experience and the full 360-degree version.