Ferris Wheel Victim’s Family Retains Law Firm

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The family of Abiah Jones, the 11-year-old Pleasantville student who was killed June 3 in an accident on the Ferris wheel at Morey’s Pier, has hired the D’Amato law firm to represent them.
A press release from the firm states “…the parents of the victim asked them to help determine what led to their daughter’s death and to do everything possible to ensure that what caused Abiah’s death could not reoccur.”
In an interview with attorney Paul D’Amato, the Herald learned that at this point the family has not filed suit against any of the principals involved in the accident. According to D’Amato they are awaiting copies of reports from agencies that investigated the accident.
“Right now we haven’t received a copy of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s investigation as well as the Wildwood Police Department’s report,” said D’Amato.
According to D’Amato, they are also waiting to receive a copy of the complete investigation report done by the N.J. Department of Community Affairs. A preliminary report issued by the DCA on June 13 stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the ride, however it is possible that a “patron either kneeling or standing on the seat could fall from the ride if they lost their balance, chose to leave the vehicle, or simply leaned too far out of the ride.” The report also states that, “Because of the long history of safe operation of this and other similar types of rides we are not recommending any change to the design of the ride in terms of enclosure of the car or restraints for the passengers.”
In his investigation of other Ferris wheel accidents, D’Amato stated, “In June 1988, Great Adventure in Jackson Township retrofitted its giant Ferris wheel to include seat restraints.”
A statement released by Will Morey said, “The Jones’ family decision to hire an attorney is their decision to make and we respect whatever decision is most appropriate for them. With proper mechanical and operational procedures combined with appropriate age and/or height limitations, Ferris wheels have a long history of safe operations. They have very mild forces and we believe that restraints are not necessary to counteract these mild forces.”
“The family is shocked and overwhelmed with grief,” said D’Amato. “They cannot understand how what was supposed to be a fun, supervised afternoon at Morey’s Pier, could turn deadly.”