News

Actions

Excessive corrosion led to fatal accident at Ohio State Fair, ride manufacturer says

Posted
and last updated

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Excessive corrosion led to last month's fatal ride accident at the Ohio State Fair, according to the Dutch company that made the ride.

Tyler Jarrell, 18, was killed and seven others were injured as they rode the Fire Ball on the fair's opening day.

The ride manufacturer, KMG, said Sunday excessive corrosion was found on the inside of the gondola arm, dangerously reducing the metal arm's thickness. It broke off mid-swing, throwing riders through the air.

State officials said the Fire Ball had been inspected just hours before the crash. KMG asked all owners of similar rides to shut them down pending an investigation. The ride at the Ohio State Fair was 18 years old, the company said.

Jarrell's family is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. He was a rising senior at Franklin Heights High School and had enlisted in the Marine Corps just a few days before his death.

Four other victims remained hospitalized as of Thursday. Among them is Jarrell's girlfriend, Keziah Lewis. The University of Cincinnati student was listed in serious condition at Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Sunday

06/22/2025

Sunny

87° / 61°

0%

Monday

06/23/2025

Sunny

91° / 65°

0%

Tuesday

06/24/2025

Sunny

94° / 67°

0%

Wednesday

06/25/2025

Sunny

98° / 70°

0%

Thursday

06/26/2025

Sunny

102° / 71°

0%

Friday

06/27/2025

Sunny

102° / 71°

0%

Saturday

06/28/2025

Sunny

101° / 72°

0%

Sunday

06/29/2025

Sunny

102° / 72°

0%