The state has recommended a $300,000 settlement from a Florida go-kart facility following the tragic death of a young girl in a crash last year.
Emma Riddle, a six-year-old, lost her life at Urban Air Adventure Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida, sparking a thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Their findings led to the proposed financial settlement.
The inquiry revealed multiple safety oversights that contributed to the fatal incident, notably that Emma was not wearing a seatbelt when her go-kart collided with a wall.
Investigators noted from security footage that the ride operator failed to manually check seatbelts before allowing the karts to commence, mere moments before the crash occurred.
Further examination showed that Emma was driving the go-kart while her mother was seated beside her. Park regulations stipulate that drivers must be at least 18 years old and a minimum of 60 inches tall. At the time, Emma was only 49 inches tall.
Additionally, the investigation found that speed was a factor, as Emma’s go-kart reached 10.8 miles per hour, exceeding the permissible limit of 10 miles per hour for the ride.
An official with the Department of Agriculture said the Urban Air Adventure Park now has the option to accept the proposed settlement, or reject it and head to a formal administrative hearing, per CBS12.
Riddle was celebrating her sister’s birthday when the crash unfolded, and 911 audio showed panicked workers saying the girl ‘hit her sternum really hard’ and was ‘throwing up blood’ after the crash.
Emma Riddle, 6, tragically died in December 2025 in a horror go kart crash while celebrating her sister’s birthday
Almost six months after the crash, the Florida Department of Agriculture has proposed the Urban Air Adventure Park (pictured) in Port St Lucie pay a $300,000 settlement, alleging a number of safety violations contributed to the crash that killed Riddle
The investigation report also said Urban Air Adventure Park did not have appropriate signage on its track, as signs did not list age or driver requirements and did not meet manufacturer standards.
Investigators said the ride also had inadequate supervision and found that a cell phone was used during the ride against park safety policies.
The Department of Agriculture cited these alleged failings as reasons that the go-kart park should pay a settlement to the state.
The state added that while Urban Air Adventure Park has the right to reject the settlement and request a hearing, it could pursue additional penalties, including fines and permit suspensions, if the settlement does not resolve the case.
The settlement would notably go to state authorities and not to Riddle’s family, and serves as a regulatory penalty and is separate from any civil litigation.
It was reported in February that Riddle’s family was preparing to file a civil lawsuit against Urban Air Adventure Park, however the status of that lawsuit is unclear. The Daily Mail has contacted the family’s attorney for comment.
The settlement proposal comes almost six months after Riddle tragically died following the crash at the go-kart park, while she was celebrating her sister’s birthday.
Riddle, seen with her family, was driving the go-kart with her mother in the passenger seat, despite policies stating drivers must be 60 inches tall and at least 18 years old
Emma was described as ‘full of life, love and light’ by her devastated family
In 911 audio released after the crash, a worker at Urban Air was heard telling a dispatcher the six-year-old was suffering severe injuries.
‘She hit her sternum really hard,’ the racetrack worker said.
She said Riddle was struggling to breathe, adding: ‘I don’t know if she’s throwing up blood or if it’s coming from her nose, down her throat… But she keeps trying to throw up.’
The concerned-sounding woman said Riddle was alive after the accident but was ‘kind of incoherent’, and urged the dispatcher: ‘I think we need a medic right away.’
Appearing to talk to Riddle’s mother at the same time, the worker continued: ‘She’s not talking to me, mom. She’s breathing, she’s breathing.’
The caller then appeared to speak with Riddle as the girl suffered from the crash, telling her: ‘It’s okay, sweetheart. Remember to stay calm, I got you alright?’
Riddle was rushed to hospital in critical condition, and she succumbed to her injuries the next day.
In a GoFundMe set up to support the family, Emma was described as ‘full of life, love and light’.
‘Though her time with us was far too short, Emma filled every moment with laughter, compassion, and warmth,’ the fundraiser read.
‘She will forever remain a precious daughter, sister, friend, and a cherished gift from God.
‘Forever in our hearts, Emma will continue to shine as the angel she has always been.’
