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Ohio State Fair ends contract with operator of fatal ride

The decision comes days after 19-year-old Jennifer Lambert, who was severely injured when the swinging and spinning Fire Ball ride fell apart, died of liver failure.
In this July 27, 2017 file photo, an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper removes a ground spike in front of the Fire Ball ride at the Ohio State Fair, in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo: Jay LaPrete, AP)

COLUMBUS (AP) - The Ohio State Fair has ended its relationship with a New Jersey company that operated a ride that killed a man when it broke apart in July 2017.

The Columbus Dispatch reports a panel appointed by the Ohio Exposition Commission this week ousted Amusements of America, which had provided fair rides and amusements for 26 years. Texas-based Talley Amusements won the four-year contract in a competition based on point scoring.

The decision comes days after 19-year-old Jennifer Lambert, who was severely injured when the swinging and spinning Fire Ball ride fell apart, died of liver failure. Her attorney says it's not known yet whether her death was caused by those injuries.

Eighteen-year-old Tyler Jarrell was killed in the accident.

A message seeking comment was left Saturday with Amusements of America.

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