Teen employee, 17, killed after go-kart crashes into forklift at South Carolina amusement park
A teenaged amusement park worker has died after the go-kart he was driving collided with a forklift.
Kamal Seveion Sewell, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, died in the incident that happened inside Frankie's Fun Park in Greenville on Friday.
Authorities raced to the scene shortly before midday after the go-kart he was operating collided with the forklift, which was being operated by another employee.
An employee who witnessed the crash told WYFF4 that the prongs of the lift were off the ground and that Sewer had reversed into them at full speed - hitting his head.
While the worker said that Sewer 'immediately went unconscious', a local coroner is still yet to determine his official cause and manner of death.
The park's manager Jamie Waddell later confirmed that Sewell had been employed at the site for a little more than a year.
Waddell told The Greenville News that the park was now working with law enforcement and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
According to the outlet, the park was closed down following the death of Sewell. As of Saturday, it is unclear if it has reopened.
Kamal Seveion Sewell, of Simpsonville, North Carolina , died in the incident that happened inside Frankie's Fun Park in Greenville on Friday
An employee who seen what happened told WYFF4 that the prongs of the lift were off the ground and that Sewer had reversed into them at full speed - hitting his head
In a statement to 11Alive, his father Dektric said: 'My son was loved by many. Seveion was a good kid who was working and developing into a young man.
'He didn't get into any trouble. He lost his life working at a fun park that was not supervised.'
The coworker who witnessed the incident said: 'He always had a smile on his face. He was a very hospitable person. Very great and friendly to guests, great and friendly to us, his coworkers.
'It's really sad that this situation happened when it could've very easily been avoided.'
In a statement, the park said: 'Frankie’s Fun Park of Greenville regrets to announce that on Friday, December 27th, a tragic accident occurred that resulted in the loss of Seveion Sewell, 17. Seveion worked at Frankie’s for over a year.
'At this time, Frankie’s is providing information and assistance to both law enforcement and OSHA.
'When the circumstances and causes of the accident are determined, additional information will be related, as appropriate.
'It is with a heavy heart that we share this news. Please keep Seveion and his family in your thoughts.'
In a statement to 11Alive, his father Dektric, seen here with his son, described him as being loved by many
Authorities raced to the scene shortly before midday after the go-kart he was operating collided with the forklift
Since the news of his passing spread to social media, users have been expressing well wishes for his family.
One person posted: 'So sorry for the pain you all are experiencing at this time. He looks like a great kid and working at 17 says a lot about his character in this day and age along with the things he’s accomplished.
'May he rest in peace. This is an absolute tragedy that never should’ve happened. We stand with y'all.'
Another added: 'I can’t imagine the pain this boys family feels, and also the pain of the employee who was driving the forklift.'
One other said: 'This is such a tragic story and my heart aches for the family having to deal with this around the holiday.
'Many prayers to them. Please let us know how the community can be of assistance to you all.'
It comes after the family of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson who died after falling off a 400-foot amusement ride were awarded a $310million payout by a Florida jury.
Tyre Sampson, 14, died In March 2022 after falling from the ride in Orlando, Florida
Tyre is shown, right. His harness is not buckled in this photo, taken moments before the ride went into the air, unlike the other boys. It's unclear if he did fasten it before the ride began
His family sued the Austrian manufacturer, Funtime Handels GMBH, arguing his death was caused by safety failures and negligence by the ride operators and maker.
Following the award, Sampson's father Yarnell Sampson spoke through tears as he called the money a 'band-aid'.
'Ain't no money gonna solve this problem, it put a band aid on the problem maybe but everyday I've got to wake up and I still don't see him,' he told NBC.
After a jury awarded damages this week, the family's lawyer Ben Crump said: 'Tyre's death was the result of blatant negligence and a failure to prioritize safety over profits.'
Tyre was on vacation with friends from his American football team during spring break 2022 when he hopped on the ride, despite telling his friends he didn't know if he'd 'make it down.'
In a shocking and graphic video, Tyre's body can be seen slipping out of the safety harness and falling to the ground.
