State ready to settle with Ohio State Fair accident victims

Victims in the Ohio State Fair accident are ready to release the state of Ohio as a party in potential litigation, the Ohio Attorney General’s office said Thursday.

Dan Tierney, spokesman for Attorney General Mike DeWine, said a proposed settlement would release the state from responsibility and no state money would be paid out. This development comes from pre-litigation talks that have been underway, he said.

On the opening day of the 2017 Ohio State Fair on July 26, the Fire Ball thrill ride suffered a catastrophic failure that killed 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell and injured seven other passengers.

The Ohio Expositions Commission voted Thursday to approve the settlement between the Fire Ball accident victims and the state with no payout from the state treasury and plaintiffs agreeing to fully release the state and the Expo Commission from responsibility.

The victims are expected to file suit against the state in the Ohio Court of Claims and the settlement agreement will be attached to the lawsuit, Expo Commission spokeswoman Alicia Shoults said.

In Other News

West Chester school locked down after report of wounded man in parking...

Hamilton fights flood protection charges: ‘It is not personal, it is...

Middletown police: Driver of other vehicle, person who fired weapon...

Woman pleads guilty to theft from elderly residents while working as...

Tecumseh High School teacher’s prom drive nets 150 dresses

About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.