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Lawsuit Filed Over Fatal Carnival Ride Ejection of 13-Year-Old in Montana
Just the facts
The lawsuit names Midway West Amusements, the government of Butte-Silver Bow, and inspection firm Shady Acres Safety Services alongside owner Dennis Sutherland as defendants. Court filings allege that ride operators knew at least ten chairs lacked pelvic safety belts and connectors, relying on verbal warnings rather than making repairs. Phillips was placed into an unsecured chair during the carnival, thrown from a substantial height while the ride rotated, and died from his injuries two weeks later. Defendant representative Michelle Jensen acknowledged the mechanical deficiencies during law enforcement interviews following the fatal incident.
Why this is news
The estate of 13-year-old Clayton Phillips filed a wrongful death lawsuit after the teenager was ejected from a rotating Yo-Yo carnival ride in Butte, Montana.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.