Ride owner faults mechanical failure

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An owner of the company providing rides at the Ohio State Fair said he thinks a mechanical failure caused a thrill ride to break apart last week, killing an 18-year-old man.

Amusements of America co-owner John Vivona told WCMH-TV in Columbus on Friday that the company is “devastated.” He said he’s convinced that the Fire Ball accident Wednesday was a mechanical failure and not a problem with the ride’s operators or inspections. He said state and third-party inspectors examined the ride before the fair opened that day.

Tyler Jarrell of Columbus was killed and seven people were injured, several critically, when the swinging and spinning ride broke apart. Franklin County Coroner Anahi Ortiz said Friday that Jarrell died from blunt force trauma.

Jarrell’s family has hired an attorney.