A family’s joyful celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy last weekend at an adventure park in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
When a six‑year‑old girl named Emma Riddle died after being severely injured in a go‑kart collision.
Emma was at the park with her loved ones to celebrate her sister’s birthday when the horrifying incident occurred, leaving a community in shock and mourning as authorities continue their investigation.
A Night of Celebration
On the evening of Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emma and her family visited Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, a popular entertainment destination in Port St. Lucie that features trampolines, arcade games, climbing structures — and go‑karting.
The family was gathered there for a birthday celebration for Emma’s sister, eager for an evening of fun and laughter.
According to police, the call to emergency services came in just before 9 p.m., reporting a serious go‑kart accident involving a child.
When responders arrived, they found Emma severely injured after a collision between go‑karts. She was in a go‑kart with an adult at the time another vehicle struck them from behind, causing a significant impact.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
First responders from the St. Lucie County Fire District began treating Emma at the scene for her critical injuries.
A 911 call released by police describes frantic efforts to assess her condition, with the caller noting that she was struggling to breathe and appeared incoherent after the impact, possibly due to the severity of her injuries.
Paramedics quickly determined that Emma needed immediate advanced medical care.
She was transported by air ambulance to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where surgeons and pediatric specialists worked to stabilize her condition.
Despite those life‑saving efforts, Emma died from her injuries the next morning on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
A Family in Grief
In the wake of her passing, Emma’s family released a heartfelt obituary and shared memories of their beloved daughter. They described her as a child who was “full of life, love and light” and someone who “touched every soul she met.”
According to the family’s message, Emma’s faith was strong, her spirit radiant, and her kindness unmatched — attributes that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
The family also noted that Emma was at the adventure park “joyfully celebrating her sister’s birthday” when the terrible accident occurred, an outing that was meant to be filled with joy and special memories. Instead, the night ended in unbearable sorrow.
To help with funeral and memorial expenses, Emma’s loved ones have established a GoFundMe campaign where community members and strangers alike have contributed support during this difficult time.
Investigation Underway
In the wake of Emma’s death, the Port St. Lucie Police Department confirmed that an active investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to the collision and whether any mechanical, operational, or human factors contributed.
Officials have not yet detailed what caused the crash or whether any party could be found legally responsible.
In addition to the local police investigation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — which oversees amusement ride safety in the state, including go‑kart tracks — has sent inspectors to Urban Air to review the site and examine equipment and protocols.
Authorities have also notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as part of ongoing efforts to assess safety measures.
Meanwhile, Urban Air has temporarily closed the Port St. Lucie location “out of respect for the family” and to support the ongoing investigations by state and local authorities. In a statement shared with news outlets, a park spokesperson said they were “heartbroken” by the accident and emphasized that guest safety is a top priority.
Understanding the Risks
Go‑karting is a recreational activity associated with inherent risks.
Even at relatively low speeds compared with other motorized sports, collisions can cause significant impact injuries, especially to children whose bodies are smaller and more vulnerable to trauma.
Experts note that while most amusement park and go‑kart operators follow strict safety guidelines, accidents can still occur due to operator error, insufficient barriers, mechanical failure, or unexpected driver behavior — factors that investigators will be examining closely.
In the national context, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and industry groups have documented that go‑kart accidents account for a notable share of amusement‑related injuries annually, though fatal outcomes remain rare.
Thorough investigations help authorities and operators improve safety standards and prevent future tragedies.
Community Response and Memorial Plans
The news of Emma’s death sent shockwaves through the Port St. Lucie community and beyond. Friends, neighbors, and even strangers who heard about the incident expressed profound sympathy and shared memories of Emma after seeing her story online or learning of her passing through local media.
Tributes have poured in, with many highlighting her joyful personality, her kindness, and the joy she brought to those who knew her.
A Memorial Service to honor Emma’s life is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Chapel in Port St. Lucie, located on NW St. James Drive.
Family members and community members are invited to pay their respects, celebrate her life, and support one another in the shared loss of a bright young life cut tragically short.
Voices of Support and Grief
On social media and in community spaces, many have shared poignant reflections on Emma’s life.
Some recalled how she lit up a room with her energy, how she radiated kindness, or how her laughter drew others in.
Others offered prayers for her family’s strength and for the healing of her siblings and parents during what is undoubtedly an agonizing time. The outpouring of support has been one of the few comforts available amid deep grief.
Individuals who contributed to Emma’s GoFundMe often included personal messages alongside their donations — expressing heartbreak, offering condolences, and acknowledging the profound sorrow of losing a child who had already touched so many hearts.
Legal and Safety Questions Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, legal analysts note that family members understandably have many questions about liability and safety.
In situations like this, formal investigations look at a range of possibilities — from whether ride operators adhered to safety protocols to whether mechanical issues or design flaws played a role.
Experts emphasize that even when facilities require waivers or releases of liability, families and legal counsel can sometimes challenge those agreements if there is evidence of negligence or failure to maintain equipment.
Whether Emma’s family will pursue such avenues in the future remains unclear, but the focus now is on uncovering what went wrong and helping prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Life Remembered
Though Emma’s life was far too short, the legacy she leaves behind — of joy, kindness, faith, and radiant spirit — has resonated far beyond her family. In their statement, her parents described her as someone who “loved God with all her heart,” whose “faith was strong,” and whose “spirit was radiant.”
They wrote that, in the brief time she had, Emma “filled every moment with laughter, compassion and warmth,” and that she will forever remain “a precious daughter, sister, friend, and a cherished gift from God.”
For her family, the road ahead will be marked by grief, memory, and the difficult task of honoring a child gone too soon.
For the community, it serves as a sober reminder of how quickly joy can turn to heartbreak and how important it is to ensure safety — especially where children are involved.
In the midst of sorrow, Emma’s story has inspired many to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. Her memory, like the light she brought into the world, will endure in the hearts of all who loved her.
