The Ohio Department of Agriculture decided after an investigation that the four inspectors who deemed the Fireball ride at the Ohio State Fair safe hours before it malfunctioned in July, killing 18-year-old Tyler Jarrell, did not violate any codes, according to a new report.
"The Fireball and ride operator Amusements of America were in compliance with requirements of Ohio law at the time of inspection," the report states. The department will also not fine or penalize the ride operator.
In an email to WSYX, a department representative wrote, "The Department remains confident in the work of our inspectors."
ABC affiliate WSYX reported that attorneys representing Tyler Jarrell’s family told them that they were waiting for the Department of Agriculture report before filing a wrongful death suit. They have reached out to Fireball manufacturer KMG to ask if they will cooperate in their negotiations.
After the Netherlands-based KMG conducted an investigation, they found that excessive corrosion in the ride’s support beam led to the accident.
Franklin County Coroner Anahi Ortiz told WSYX that Jarrell suffered head, trunk and lower extremity injuries when the Fireball malfunctioned.